Maternal anaemia and risk of mortality: a call for action

Maternal anaemia is an important global health problem that affects about 500 million women of reproductive age.1 Much is known about the consequences of anaemia during pregnancy, including the increased risks of low birthweight, preterm birth, perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality.2 Maternal anaemia also places the mother at increased risk of death during and after childbirth.3 Severe anaemia can lead to circulatory decompensation, increased cardiac output, an increased risk of haemorrhage, and decreased ability to tolerate blood loss, leading to circulatory shock and death.