Maternal and Newborn Health Research Roundup – September 2025

1.

Assessing the adherence and acceptability to iron and folic acid compared with multiple micronutrient supplements during pregnancy: a cluster-randomized noninferiority trial in Cambodia

This cluster-randomized noninferiority trial conducted in Cambodia compared adherence and acceptability between standard iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements and multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) among pregnant women. The study found that MMS was noninferior to IFA in terms of adherence, with similar rates of daily intake and completion of the recommended regimen. Women reported high acceptability for both supplements, though MMS was slightly preferred due to perceived benefits such as improved energy and fewer side effects. The findings support the feasibility of transitioning from IFA to MMS in antenatal care programs, especially in low-resource settings, where broader nutritional support may enhance maternal and fetal outcomes. (July 2025)

2.

Maternal, fetal, and neonatal serious adverse events associated with low-dose aspirin during the first trimester of pregnancy: A secondary analysis of the Aspirin Supplementation for Pregnancy Indicated Risk Reduction In Nulliparas (ASPIRIN) trial

This secondary analysis of a multicountry randomized trial examined serious maternal, fetal, and neonatal adverse events among nulliparous women who initiated low-dose aspirin in the first trimester versus placebo. The study found no increase in severe complications with aspirin, with comparable rates of serious events across pregnancy and the early newborn period. The findings support the safety of indicated first-trimester low-dose aspirin and reinforce its continued use for risk reduction in appropriate pregnancies. (November 2025)

3.

Variability in the Causes and Delay Factors Contributing to Maternal Mortality: Evidence From Maternal Death Surveillance Reports of 22 African Countries

This comparative analysis of maternal death surveillance reports from 22 African countries evaluated causes of death and delay factors. The study found hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis as leading causes and frequent delays in deciding to seek care and receiving adequate facility care, with notable variation across contexts. The findings support country-tailored actions to strengthen the continuum of care and accountability to reduce preventable maternal deaths. (August 2025)

4.

Barriers to improving preterm newborn outcomes through effective antenatal corticosteroid use in Ethiopia

This study investigates the landscape of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) use in Ethiopia and identifies key barriers to its effective implementation for improving preterm newborn outcomes. Despite national guidelines recommending ACS administration in hospitals and health centers, utilization remains low—only 5% of eligible women received ACS before delivery in 2016, and just 22.1% of facilities had administered ACS in the prior three months by 2021. Private clinics had the lowest availability (16.9%) and usage (2.8%). Barriers include limited provider knowledge, especially at primary care and private facilities, poor access to early ultrasound for gestational age assessment, late initiation of antenatal care, and inconsistent corticosteroid supply. The study emphasizes that increasing ACS uptake alone is insufficient; effective implementation requires health system redesign, improved provider training, and integration with broader maternal and newborn care strategies to ensure survival and health of preterm infants. (September 2025)