This study aimed to assess the link between antenatally diagnosed anemia and severe maternal morbidity in a large US cohort. Using data from the Consortium on Safe Labor database, which included over 166,000 deliveries, women with antenatal anemia were compared to those without. The analysis revealed that women diagnosed with anemia during pregnancy had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity, neonatal adverse outcomes, and secondary outcomes such as maternal death, transfusion, cesarean delivery, and preterm delivery. Even after adjusting for potential confounding variables, the association between anemia and adverse outcomes remained significant. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of anemia in pregnancy to mitigate maternal and neonatal risks.

The findings suggest that antenatal anemia is a significant risk factor for severe maternal morbidity and other adverse outcomes. Early detection and management of anemia during pregnancy could help identify and treat women at higher risk for maternal morbidity and mortality, potentially improving pregnancy outcomes.

Reference: Harrison RK, Lauhon SR, Colvin ZA, McIntosh JJ. Maternal anemia and severe maternal morbidity in a US cohort. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2021 Sep;3(5):100395. doi: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100395. Epub 2021 May 13. PMID: 33992832; PMCID: PMC8435012.