Taking the Heat: Potential Fetal Health Effects of Hot Temperatures

摘要

Exposure to periods of extreme heat has been linked to a variety ofadverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, kidney disease, and mental illness.1,2 Nowresearchers are investigating the potential effects of heat exposure in the fetus.Several epidemiological studies over the past five years havereported associations between high temperatures and adversepregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and lowbirth weight (LBW),3,4 as well as congenital heart defects.5 (Atleast two studies have also examined ambient temperature inrelation to neural tube defects.6,7) Each study has its strengths,weaknesses, and caveats, but experts point toward the consistent and concerning signal that’s starting to materialize in theliterature.