Maternal and Newborn Health Research Roundup – July 2025

1.

Global, regional, and national burden, trends, and inequality analysis of maternal hypertensive disorders (MHD) from 1990 to 2021, and predictions to 2046

A sweeping global analysis has revealed that while the overall burden of maternal hypertensive disorders (MHD) has declined significantly from 1990 to 2021, stark inequalities persist across regions and socioeconomic groups. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease study, researchers found that disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to MHD dropped from 3.48 million to 2.47 million, with the steepest declines seen in younger women aged 20–24. The study also uncovered a strong inverse relationship between MHD rates and a country’s socio-demographic index (SDI), indicating that wealthier nations have seen greater improvements. Projections using a Bayesian model suggest this downward trend will continue through 2046, particularly in high-middle SDI countries. However, the authors caution that despite global progress, targeted public health strategies are still urgently needed to address persistent disparities and reduce the burden of MHD in lower-income regions. (July 2025)

2.

Accounting for stillbirths in maternal health metrics: a cross-country analysis 

A new cross-country analysis published in eClinicalMedicine has revealed that excluding stillbirths from maternal health metrics significantly underestimates the true burden of maternal and perinatal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study, led by researchers from the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, examined data from 151 countries and found that stillbirths account for a substantial proportion of deaths occurring during pregnancy and childbirth—yet are often omitted from global health indicators. By integrating stillbirths into maternal health metrics, the researchers demonstrated that the maternal mortality burden could be up to 40% higher in some settings. The findings call for urgent policy reforms to include stillbirths in routine health monitoring and to prioritize interventions that address both maternal and fetal outcomes, ensuring a more accurate and equitable approach to global maternal health. (July 2025)

3.

Born too soon: progress, priorities and pivots for preterm birth 

A major supplement in Reproductive Health brings renewed urgency to the global effort to reduce preterm births, presenting a comprehensive package of ten peer-reviewed papers adapted from the 2023 WHO report Born Too Soon: A Decade of Action on Preterm Birth. The collection—comprising seven research articles and three expert commentaries—updates and expands on the original report with new data, recent literature, and evolving policy developments. Developed by 144 contributors from 70 organizations across 46 countries, and coordinated by PMNCH in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, LSHTM, and FIGO, the supplement offers evidence-informed strategies to address the 13.4 million preterm births occurring globally each year. Key themes include integrated maternal-newborn care, health system strengthening, and equity-driven innovation. The supplement not only reflects on progress since the inaugural 2012 report but also outlines future pivots needed to accelerate change. With over 215 media mentions and 1.3 million social media impressions, the campaign marks a milestone in global advocacy for maternal and newborn health. (June 2025)

4.

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health Commission on the future of neonatology

This Commission from The Lancet highlights the urgent need to transform neonatal care through innovation and collaboration. Despite the immense potential of high-quality neonatal care to improve survival and lifelong health outcomes, progress is hindered by gaps in research, regulatory challenges, and fragmented development pathways for neonatal medicines and devices.

This global, multidisciplinary Commission calls for sustained investment in neonatal research and development, emphasizing the importance of building a stronger scientific foundation for neonatal medicine. Advancing care for newborns will require coordinated efforts across sectors—uniting clinicians, researchers, industry, regulators, funders, families, and advocates—to accelerate innovation and ensure that life-saving discoveries are translated into equitable health policies and practices worldwide. (June 2025)

5.

Effect of prenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation compared with iron and folic acid supplementation on size at birth and subsequent growth through 24 mo of age: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A major new meta-analysis has found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) offers significant advantages over standard iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation in improving birth outcomes and early infant growth. Drawing on data from 19 randomized controlled trials across 14 countries, the study revealed that MMS led to greater birth length, weight, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference, with benefits extending through the first six months of life. Infants whose mothers received MMS were also less likely to be stunted, underweight, or have small head size or low arm circumference in early infancy. However, these advantages diminished after six months, likely due to external factors such as diet and infections. The findings bolster global health recommendations to adopt MMS in low- and middle-income countries, where maternal undernutrition is prevalent, and highlight its potential to reduce early-life growth faltering and improve long-term developmental outcomes. (July 2025)

6.

Anemia, micronutrient deficiency, and elevated biomarkers of inflammation among women and children in two districts in the Northern Region of Ghana: A pilot study

A pilot study conducted in Ghana’s Northern Region has uncovered widespread anemia, micronutrient deficiencies, and elevated inflammation among women and children, signaling a pressing public health concern. The research, carried out in the Tolon and Kumbungu districts, found that 31% of women of reproductive age and 36% of preschool children were anemic. Iron and zinc deficiencies were particularly prevalent, with over 70% of women and children affected. Additionally, nearly 40% of children showed elevated biomarkers of inflammation, often co-occurring with anemia and nutrient deficiencies. The study also identified environmental and geographic disparities, with rural and Kumbungu residents facing higher risks. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted nutrition interventions, improved water access, and localized health strategies to combat malnutrition and its underlying causes in northern Ghana. (June 2025)