Maternal residential area effects on preterm birth, low birth weight and caesarean section in Australia: A systematic review

•The current evidence regarding the relationship between maternal area of residence with PTB, LBW, and CS is inconsistent. Identifying the mechanisms for the underlying inequality of pregnancy outcomes in rural and remote areas and potential interventions through evidence synthesis could be important to close this gap.•Currently available evidence regarding the relationship between area of residence and PTB, LBW, and CS and their biopsychosocial risk factors have been reviewed.•PTB and LBW rates were found to be higher in rural and remote areas.•A high proportion of chronic disease and lower socioeconomic status was found in rural and remote areas compared to urban and city areas.•The study result points to the importance of strengthening prevention and management of chronic disease, expanding health service access in rural and remote areas in order to prevent PTB and LBW.•Enhancing antenatal care utilization in rural maternal residential areas is important for preventing PTB, LBW or CS.