Is there a Link between Preterm Birth and In Utero Exposure to Climate Change?

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to clarify if there is a link between preterm birth and temperature as a climate factor. Our study comes after a long period of clinical experience that rose the suspicion of a possible correlation between temperature variation and peaks of premature births. Materials and method: We conducted a retrospective study on the number of births registered at the “Dr. I.A. Sbarcea” Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Brasov in 2018 and 2019. Data related to premature birth was further correlated to climate information regarding Brasov area obtained from the National Administration of Meteorology, Romania and to results of fertility statistics made publicly available by the Romanian National Institute of Statistics. Results: Our study group included 99 premature births registered at “Dr. I.A. Sbarcea” Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Brasov in 2018 and 127 in 2019. The premature birth rate peaks in August for both years of study: 2018 and 2019. Statistical data processing shows there is significant correlation between in utero exposure to extreme temperatures and registration of peaks of premature births. Conclusion: Recognizing a pattern of the raise in the premature birth rate may help the healthcare system to cope with the increased demands of the pediatric care units in time periods marked by specific climate context. Easy recognition of climate conditions that can consequently lead to a peak in the rate of premature birth can be useful for medical staff and patients.