A new study reveals how high temperatures can affect birth weight?
A new study from Ben-Gurion Universities of the Negev and Harvard found that there is a relationship between temperatures during pregnancy and birth outcomes, with an emphasis on birth weight
Dr. Itai Kellogg from the Department of Geography at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and his research team from the School of Public Health at Harvard University, Mr. Steve Maley, Prof. Brent Kohl, Dr. Francesco Nordio and Prof. Goel Schwartz, conducted a study between 2000-2008, which examined the relationship between the results of the birth (with an emphasis on the birth weight) and the temperatures to which the mother is exposed during pregnancy.
For the purpose of the study, the group developed an innovative, satellite-based, high-resolution model for assessing daily exposure to temperature. As part of the model, satellite data of the ground temperature are taken, as well as ground data in order to make a more accurate assessment of the air temperature every day and with a resolution of 1 km. This model is new since previous studies used ground measurement stations with a limited spatial layout. In fact, the model makes it possible to make an accurate assessment for each mother in the study regarding the real temperature to which she was exposed during the pregnancy period.
The study found that there is a relationship between exposure to air temperature at different times during pregnancy and low birth weight. For example, an increase of 8.5 degrees Celsius in the average exposure in the last trimester of pregnancy caused a decrease of approximately 17g in birth weight. Dr. Kellogg: "We found that high air temperature during pregnancy can cause premature birth. According to our findings, exposure to high air temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight and a shorter gestation period."
