Epidemiological analysis ambient temperature &maternal/neonatal health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding and reducing the impacts of high outdoor temperatures on pregnancy and newborn health in England: a multi-methods study.
IRAS ID
357009
Contact name
Charlotte Parbery-Clark
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
331017, Qualitative phase: ambient temperatures and maternal/neonatal health
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background:
Climate change is our biggest global health challenge of the 21st century. We are seeing steady increases in global average temperatures with increasingly intense and frequent episodes of heatwaves. In the UK, the hottest 10 years on record have been since 2003. In 2022, we had our first national emergency for a heatwave that had the potential to overload health and social care. Certain groups are at higher risk of heat-related impacts with increasing evidence that pregnant women are one of these groups. Literature reviews have found a relationship between experiencing high temperatures and an increase in certain pregnancy-related health problems. However, the research regarding pregnant women is very limited in England. People adapt to their local climate and health services differ between countries. It is difficult to take findings, particularly the point at which temperatures increase risks to health, from one country and apply them to another. The heatwave plans for England have only last year included pregnant women as a vulnerable group in their guidance. However, despite being included in their list of vulnerable groups, the guidance itself is not specific to pregnant women.Research aim:
To improve the understanding of the impact of high outdoor temperatures on pregnant mothers', unborn babies' and newborns' health in England. It will develop an approach to reduce the health impacts by providing guidance and recommendations.How: I will use large comprehensive linked national datasets to measure the impact of high outdoor temperatures on pregnancy and newborn health for England. The prioritised health problems, chosen with a wide range of professionals and PPIE contributors, are babies being born early, stillbirth, and diabetes in pregnancy. This study will be the first to measure these problems nationally in recent years. It will identify levels of outdoor temperatures that have the highest impact on these health issues.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
25/SS/0080
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion