Background Preterm delivery (PTD) has been a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal serum ferritin, a biomarker of both iron stores and systemic inflammation, has shown inconsistent associations with PTD risk in individual studies. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the relationship between maternal serum ferritin levels and the risk of PTD. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to August 2025. Twenty-four observational studies with more than 10000 participants were included. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random-effects models. The ROBINS-1 tool was used to assess the quality of the studies and the risk of bias. Results Ferritin levels were significantly higher in pregnancies ending in PTD (random-effects SMD 0.82, 95% CI 0.28-1.36; I 2 = 97.3%), with the strongest association observed in the second trimester (SMD 1.18, 95% CI 0.74-1.63). No independent predictive role for ferritin was shown (random-effects OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.97-1.13). High heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias were noted. Hemoglobin levels did not differ between groups. Conclusion Elevated levels of maternal serum ferritin, especially during the second trimester, are linked to PTD. However, the adjusted OR estimates have not shown statistical significance. There is considerable variability among the studies and a risk of bias that warrants cautious interpretation. Additionally, the diagnostic thresholds reported differ greatly and lack sufficient validation for clinical application. It is essential to conduct standardized prospective studies before ferritin-based clinical decision-making can be endorsed.

Background: Congenital malformations are a major cause of prenatal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Central nervous system (CNS) malformations are among the most commonly recognized congenital anomalies. Understanding the prognosis and severity of these malformations is essential for prenatal counseling. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and outcomes of pregnancies complicated by CNS malformations at a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Yas Hospital Complex from December 2021 to December 2024. All patients with fetal malformations identified by sonography were assessed, and those with CNS malformations were included. Results: We analyzed 398 patients with fetal malformations and identified 135 cases (33.9%) of CNS malformations. The mean maternal age was 30.49 years, and the mean body mass index was 26.03 kg/m2. Most mothers (90.2%) reported no consanguineous relationship. Malformations were diagnosed at a mean gestational age of 23 weeks. The live birth rate was 54.1%; 25.9% of pregnancies underwent legal termination, and 3.7% resulted in neonatal death. The most common CNS malformation was ventriculomegaly, accounting for 54.8% of cases. Isolated CNS malformations occurred in 69.6% of patients. The non-isolated group had a higher termination rate. Noninvasive prenatal testing and amniocentesis predominantly yielded normal results; however, severe cases resulted in termination. These findings underscore the need for prenatal counseling regarding outcomes associated with CNS malformations. Conclusions: The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks, underscoring the importance of early detection of fetal CNS anomalies and the fact that some cases present at later gestational ages. When considering the implications of malformations and the option of legal abortion, a higher gestational age limit, particularly near the threshold of viability, should be considered in the decision-making process.