Babies born to anaemic mothers have smaller brains, study finds
A study by King’s College London and the University of Cape Town found that babies born to anaemic mothers have smaller brain volumes. These differences, particularly in regions linked to movement and emotion, may lead to cognitive challenges later in childhood.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of maternal health on infant development is crucial for global public health initiatives and prenatal care.
A study looking at anaemia in pregnancy and the brain development of babies. Photograph: The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London A study looking at anaemia in pregnancy and the brain development of babies. Photograph: The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London Global development Babies born to anaemic mothers have smaller brains, study finds Key regions of the brain linked to movement, learning and emotions were affected and may lead to cognitive problems
About this content Kat Lay , Global health correspondent Wed 9 Sep 2026 00.00 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Babies born to mothers with anaemia have smaller brains, particularly in key regions linked to movement, learning and the regulation of emotion, according to a study.
Researchers said the differences, first detected at the age of one, could lead to cognitive problems when children started school.
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