Which of the following is a direct fetal effect of anemia in pregnancy?

Low birth weight is a direct fetal effect of anemia in pregnancy due to the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the maternal blood. Anemia can compromise fetal oxygenation, leading to inadequate growth and development of the fetus. This lack of adequate oxygen and nutrients can result in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), which directly correlates to lower birth weights.

Anemia diminishes the overall health of the pregnancy and the blood supply available to the placenta, which is crucial for fetal nutrition and growth. Therefore, lower birth weight can be attributed directly to the effects of maternal anemia on the fetus, making it a significant concern in prenatal care.

In contrast, the other options are more associated with maternal conditions and are not direct fetal effects of anemia. Increased fetal movement might occur with fetal distress but does not directly link to anemia. Preeclampsia and maternal hypertension are conditions that can arise in pregnancy but are not direct effects on the fetus from maternal anemia.