New research from Curtin University has revealed that climate change may be influencing pregnancy durations, with extreme weather conditions and poor air quality potentially increasing the risk of prolonged pregnancies. The study, which analyzed nearly 400,000 births in Western Australia, found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and biothermal stress could extend pregnancy beyond 41 weeks.
These findings provide fresh insight into the lesser-known effects of climate change on maternal health. While much research has focused on the dangers of preterm births, this study sheds light on the risks associated with pregnancies that last longer than expected.
According to lead researcher Dr. Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu from Curtin’s School of Population Health, environmental stressors linked to climate change may be playing a role in disrupting pregnancy timelines. The study highlights that climate-related exposures, including high temperatures and air pollution, can influence maternal stress responses, impacting hormonal and inflammatory activities.
“Environmental stressors, including climate-related exposures during pregnancy, have been associated with maternal stress response and subsequent disruptions in endocrine and inflammatory activities, which increase towards the end of pregnancy. This can either shorten gestation, leading to preterm birth, or lengthen gestation, resulting in prolonged pregnancy in some cases,” Dr. Nyadanu explained.
The study found that certain groups of women were at a higher risk of experiencing prolonged pregnancies due to climate-related factors. These included first-time mothers, women over 35 years old, those with pregnancy complications, and those living in urban areas, where air pollution is typically higher.
While early births are well-documented for their health risks, delayed pregnancies also pose significant concerns for both mothers and babies. A pregnancy lasting beyond 41 weeks increases the likelihood of medical interventions such as induced labor or caesarean sections. Additionally, the risks of stillbirth, birth complications, and child mortality rise when pregnancy is prolonged.
For the newborn, staying in the womb longer than necessary can lead to complications such as insufficient oxygen supply, reduced amniotic fluid levels, and an increased chance of meconium aspiration syndrome, a condition where the baby inhales stool before birth, leading to breathing difficulties.
Beyond the medical implications, prolonged pregnancies can also take an emotional and psychological toll on expecting parents, particularly when medical intervention becomes necessary.
With climate change driving extreme weather events and worsening air quality worldwide, it is crucial to recognize the impact on maternal and child health. The research suggests that healthcare providers, policymakers, and pregnant women should consider climate-related exposures as a factor when assessing pregnancy risks.
Dr. Nyadanu emphasized the need for targeted public health policies to mitigate these risks. “This study highlights the need for targeted policies and preventative measures to reduce climate-related health risks, including better air quality regulations and public health initiatives aimed at protecting expectant mothers and children from extreme climatic conditions.”
As global temperatures continue to rise and air pollution remains a persistent issue, governments and healthcare systems must take proactive steps to protect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women. Reducing exposure to harmful air pollutants and implementing policies that address extreme weather conditions will be essential in ensuring the health and safety of both mothers and their babies.
This study serves as a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and the general public to acknowledge the far-reaching effects of climate change not just on the environment but on human health as well. By understanding these impacts, society can work towards creating a safer, healthier future for the next generation.
