Pregnancy and Malaria : A High-Risk Combination

By Ana Espino | Published on April 23, 2026 | 4 min read


Malaria during pregnancy represents a major public health issue, particularly in endemic areas. This condition poses significant risks for both the mother and the fetus. Infection can lead to severe, even fatal forms, and is notably characterized by the sequestration of the parasite in the placenta, resulting in maternal anemia, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, and low birth weight. It is therefore a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Despite the existence of prevention and treatment strategies, several limitations remain. Antimalarial treatments may be associated with adverse effects, particularly during pregnancy, and the emergence of resistance—especially to chloroquine in certain regions—complicates management. In addition, access to preventive interventions remains unequal, and their effectiveness strongly depends on the local context. The main challenges lie in the complexity of managing malaria in pregnant women, regional variability in prevalence, and the need for tailored interventions to reduce maternal and neonatal complications. Early detection and prevention remain essential, but are difficult to implement optimally in certain settings.

The objective of this study, recently published in Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and Vaccines, is to provide an update on current knowledge regarding malaria during pregnancy, by analyzing its epidemiological impact, complications, and the prevention and treatment strategies currently available.  

What are the risks for the mother and the baby ?

The study is based on a systematic review of the literature. A total of 139 studies were included after applying selection criteria. The analyses focused on epidemiology, complications, and interventions related to malaria during pregnancy. The results show that malaria during pregnancy is strongly influenced by the Plasmodium species, with P. falciparum being the main cause of complications, particularly in Africa, while P. vivax predominates in certain regions such as Asia and South America. Prevalence can reach up to 60% in sub-Saharan Africa, illustrating the scale of the problem.

The observed complications are numerous and affect both the mother and the child. In mothers, malaria can cause severe anemia and increase the risk of mortality. In the fetus and newborn, it is associated with low birth weight, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, and increased neonatal mortality.

Prevention strategies mainly rely on intermittent preventive treatment, the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, and prompt case management. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to limit complications. In severe or complicated cases, artesunate is recommended as the treatment of choice, particularly in the presence of resistance to certain antimalarial drugs.

Better protecting two lives at once

Malaria during pregnancy remains a serious condition with significant consequences for maternal and neonatal health. The main challenges involve managing complications, addressing treatment resistance, and reducing inequalities in access to prevention and care strategies.

The aim of this study was to provide an update on this issue. The results confirm that malaria during pregnancy has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality, and that appropriate management is essential to reduce its consequences. However, some limitations remain, particularly related to the heterogeneity of available data and regional variations that make it difficult to generalize findings.    




About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology  
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.