Research from Taiwan has revealed that higher temperatures especially during the later stages of pregnancy significantly increase the risk of premature birth and other pregnancy complications. The study, conducted by a team led by Chen Yi-hua, Dean of the College of Public Health at Taipei Medical University highlighted the link between climate change and pregnancy outcomes.
The research analyzed data from cohort studies conducted between 2011 and 2022 in Taipei and New Taipei City alongside weather data from Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. It found that women who become pregnant in winter and give birth in summer are at higher risk of premature delivery particularly if they are exposed to high nighttime temperatures during late pregnancy.
Key findings show that for every 1°C increase in the average temperature, the risk of premature birth and low birth weight rises by 6%. Additionally, high temperatures were found to contribute to higher rates of depression among pregnant women. Chao Hsing, Vice Dean at Taipei Medical University explained that there are many mechanisms linking depression during pregnancy to premature birth. He suggested that heat-induced negative emotions could be a contributing factor.
Lee Hung-chang, an honorary physician at Mackay Children’s Hospital further emphasized the vulnerability of pregnant women and children to extreme heat urging greater awareness and caution during hot weather.
The research also highlighted the positive effects of exposure to green spaces during pregnancy. Women who spent time in such areas were found to have children with better concentration abilities suggesting that green spaces can provide protective benefits against the impacts of heat.
Chao urged pregnant women to take regular walks in green spaces and stay informed about the risks posed by extreme temperatures. He also called for more resources to be dedicated to developing green spaces as a way to protect vulnerable groups from the negative effects of climate change.