Prenatal heat and air pollution were linked to preterm birth
A review in lower-income settings found associations across pregnancy, but limited exposure details make the size of those associations difficult to interpret.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Across studies in low- and middle-income countries, exposure to ambient heat, fine particulate pollution and black carbon during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth. These observational associations do not show that the exposures caused early delivery. The abstract does not specify the reference exposure levels needed to interpret the reported odds ratios.
This abstract-based account cannot assess exposure contrasts or estimate absolute risk. The authors also identify limited geographic representation and insufficient research on combined exposures.
Timing during pregnancy
Heat exposure was linked to preterm birth particularly in early and late pregnancy. Fine particulate pollution was associated with preterm birth across trimesters, while the black carbon association was reported for late pregnancy.
Combined exposures remain unclear
The review examined exposures at different stages of pregnancy. Few studies considered heat and pollution together, leaving uncertainty about whether their combined association differs from the associations reported for each exposure separately.
The original publication
Association between heat and air pollution (PM2.5 and black carbon) exposure in pregnancy and preterm birth in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Raghavan S, Isaac TS, Arya D et al.
BMJ Paediatr Open · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40953917
- Record checked
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