Zinc deficiency is widespread in low- and middle-income countries. Its deficiency
during pregnancy is thought to be associated with preterm labour, prolonged
labour, postpartum haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, growth
restriction, congenital abnormalities, and low birth weight. However, many of
these associations have not been established yet.
Key messages
􀃎 Zinc supplementation during pregnancy reduces the incidence of preterm
births by 14%.
􀃎 Zinc supplementation during pregnancy has no effect on the incidence of low
birth weight, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or postpartum haemorrhage.
􀃎 The review did not find evidence to support routine zinc supplementation
during pregnancy.