Impacts of heat exposure on pregnant women, fetuses and newborns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Climate Change has wide-ranging and severe health impacts, especially for vulnerable groups. We systematically reviewed the literature (n=198 studies) on heat impacts on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health, conducted meta-analyses to quantify impacts, analysed periods of susceptibility, and graded certainty. Studies covered 66 countries and 23 outcomes. Our results showed increased odds of preterm birth of 1.04 (95%CI=1.03, 1.06) per 1°C increase in heat exposure and 1.26 (95%CI=1.08, 1.47) during heatwaves. Similar patterns were shown for stillbirths and congenital anomalies. Gestational diabetes mellitus odds increased by 28% (95%CI=1.05, 1.74) at higher exposures, whileodds of any obstetric complication increased by 25% (95%CI=1.09, 1.42) during heatwaves. Patterns in susceptibility windows vary by condition. The review demonstrated that escalating temperatures pose major threats to maternal and child health globally. Findings could inform research priorities and selection of heat-health indicators. Clearly more intensive action is needed to protect these vulnerable groups.