Moderate to severe anaemia linked with 27% higher risk of stillbirth in India, study finds
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia reveals that moderate-to-severe anaemia during pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirth by 27%. Researchers emphasize that anaemia is a modifiable risk factor and advocate for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Addressing maternal anaemia is a critical public health intervention that could significantly reduce stillbirth rates in India.
Women in India with moderate-to-severe anaemia at any time during their pregnancy may have a 27% higher risk of stillbirth after 28 weeks of gestation, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia.
Findings also show stillbirths may tend to occur around the 29th week of gestation among pregnant women with severe anaemia, compared to 31st week of gestation among other women.
Researchers, including those from the UK's University of Oxford, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Indian Institute of Public Health Bengaluru, highlighted that anaemia among pregnant mothers is an important and a modifiable risk factor for stillbirth.
Policies aimed at reducing stillbirths should prioritise a comprehensive anaemia prevention and treatment strategies among pregnant women, they said.
Anaemia is a blood condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or less haemoglobin than normal.
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