A new study has found that anaemia during pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of heart disease in newborns, raising concerns about maternal health and its long-term impacts on children.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge analyzed medical records of over 100,000 pregnancies and found a strong association between maternal anaemia and congenital heart defects in babies. Anaemia, typically caused by iron deficiency, reduces the oxygen supply to the fetus during critical stages of heart development, the study suggests.

Lead researcher Dr. Emily Carter said, “Our findings highlight how important it is to identify and treat anaemia early in pregnancy to protect the long-term cardiovascular health of children.”

Congenital heart defects are among the most common types of birth defects, affecting roughly 1 in 100 newborns globally. The study found that women who had moderate to severe anaemia were up to 40% more likely to have a baby with heart abnormalities compared to women with normal iron levels.

The research team emphasized the need for routine screening for anaemia in prenatal care and suggested that improving maternal nutrition could have a profound impact on infant health outcomes.

While more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms, experts say these findings reinforce the importance of early prenatal care, iron supplementation, and public health initiatives to combat maternal anaemia worldwide.

Healthcare providers are being urged to monitor iron levels closely and recommend dietary adjustments or supplements when needed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned that anaemia remains a major global health issue, affecting over 500 million women of reproductive age. This new study adds to growing evidence that untreated anaemia during pregnancy can have far-reaching consequences beyond birth outcomes.

Mothers-to-be are advised to consult their healthcare providers about iron intake and follow guidelines to maintain a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy.