A recent study reveals that temperature is linked to an increased risk of stillbirth

Scientists reviewed about 12 studies and found that intense exposure to ambient temperatures throughout pregnancy appears to increase the risk of stillbirth, especially late in pregnancy.

Dr Jessica Sexton, from the University of Queensland, said that while this was a very early research, it showed a possible link between stillbirth and exposure to high and low temperatures during pregnancy.
Sexton added: “In general, the risk of stillbirth appears to increase when the ambient temperature is below 15 ° C and above 23.4 ° C, with the highest risk score higher than 29.4 ° C.”

“It is estimated that 17 to 19% of stillbirths are likely to be attributed to chronic exposure to extremely cold and hot temperatures during pregnancy. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, this association is likely to increase the likelihood of stillbirth globally.” “But these results are taken from the very limited research currently available, so expectant mothers should not be concerned, and there is still a lot of follow-up research that needs to be done.”

Ecologist Dr. Scott Liskey said the findings indicate that as temperatures rise, women in the developing world will feel the impacts.

“More than 2 million stillbirths occur every year around the world, and most of them occur in low-resource settings. Not only have these poorer countries been disproportionately affected by stillbirths, but will now be disproportionately affected by climate change as well,” said Dr. Leskey.

He continued: “If the link appearing in this research supports further scrutiny, then the majority of new stillbirths will always occur in the countries that are already suffering the most.”
Professor Vicky Flenade, Director of the Stillbirth CRE at Mater Research, said the study highlighted the importance of the research to reduce global stillbirth rates.

Professor Felnadi noted: “Even in 2021, stillbirth occurs somewhere in the world every 16 seconds. Stillbirth has a long-term traumatic effect on women and their families, who often suffer from profound psychological problems, even in high-income countries. Here in Australia, stillbirth is still a major public health problem.

“More work is needed to understand the role that temperature plays in keeping women and children safe during pregnancy,” he said.

“In order to fully understand the effects of mothers’ exposure to ambient temperatures and stillbirth, future studies should focus on the biological mechanisms involved and contributing factors, in addition to improving measurement of ambient temperature exposure. Meanwhile, we encourage pregnant women to talk to their caregivers, ”he added. Health is about staying safe during cold winter days and hot summer days.

Source: Medical Express