A Systematic Review Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract Global warming poses a threat to the entire planet, impacting biodiversity loss, soil productivity, and ecosystem degradation. The report “Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change” warns of a “code red” emergency, emphasizing the immediate danger of climate change. Pregnant women and newborns are particularly vulnerable, with an increase in adverse birth outcomes. Heat exposure has resulted in 25,000 preterm births annually, with an estimated loss of 150,000 gestational length and 250,000 days per year by the end of the century. The purpose of this review is, to investigate the effect on pregnancy outcomes due to the increase in temperature, because of climate change, to identify windows of exposure susceptible to adverse effects of heat and to identify gaps among existing research. A search strategy was formulated using the key terms and search was carried out in databases of COCHRANE, SCOPUS and PUBMED and 259 articles were retrieved. Total 41 articles were included. It was concluded that high temperature especially in third trimester increased the risk of preterm birth. Exposure to extreme heat events does cause the reduction of birthweight. Still birth was linked with exposure to severe temperatures cold or hot especially the week before delivery. The association of spontaneous abortion was not strong and warranted more research for this outcome. The increase in temperature does show a possible association with incidences of congenital anomalies. More single country research is needed in Low- and middle-income country as most of the studies are being conducted in high income countries.