Association between migration and severe maternal outcomes in high-income countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Literature focusing on migration and maternal health inequalities is inconclusive, possibly because of the heterogeneous definitions and settings studied. We aimed to synthesize the literature comparing the risks of severe maternal outcomes in high-income countries between migrant and native-born women, overall and by host country and region of birth. Methods and findings: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis using the Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for the period from January 1, 1990 to April 18, 2023. We included observational studies comparing the risk of maternal mortality or all-cause or cause-specific severe maternal morbidity in high-income countries between migrant women, defined by birth outside the host country, and native-born women; used the Newcastle–Ottawa scale tool to assess risk of bias; and performed random-effects meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses were planned by host country and region of birth. Conclusions: In this systematic review of the existing literature applying a single definition of “migrant” women, we found that the differential risk of severe maternal outcomes in migrant versus native-born women in high-income countries varied by host country and region of origin. These data highlight the need to further explore the mechanisms underlying these inequities. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021224193. In a systematic review and meta analysis of data obtained from 35 studies, Maxime Eslier and colleagues synthesize and compare the risk of severe maternal outcomes in high income countries between migrant and native-born women, overall and by host country and region of birth.Why was this study done?: What did the researchers do and find?: What do these findings mean?: