سامانه همایش های دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد نجف آباد

صفحه اصلی / اولین همایش بین المللی تحول خدمات سلامت: تلفیق مراقبت، درمان، بازتوانی و امیدبخشی

Extreme Heat and Heatwaves as Emerging Threats to Maternal and Fetal Health: A Narrative Review

نویسندگان :

Sareh Kiani¹ Nastaran Piroozeh² Asiyeh Nabi Zadeh³ Shadi Goli⁴

1- دانشگاه آزاد نجف آباد 2- دانشگاه آزاد نجف آباد 3- دانشگاه آزاد نجف آباد 4- دانشگاه آزاد نجف آباد

کلمات کلیدی :

Extreme heat،Pregnancy،Maternal health،Fetal diseases،Climate change،Infant

چکیده :

Abstract Background: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, posing risks to maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. Pregnancy-related physiological changes may increase susceptibility to heat stress, with effects varying by intensity, duration, timing, and population characteristics. This narrative review summarizes evidence on the effects of extreme heat and heatwaves on maternal, pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 2020 and 2026. Of 35 articles initially identified, 20 were included in the final synthesis, which was conducted qualitatively due to heterogeneity in designs, exposure definitions, populations, and outcomes. Finding: Heat exposure was associated with hypertensive disorders, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other obstetric complications, as well as preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and congenital anomalies. Preterm birth was the most consistently studied outcome, with exposure timing, intensity, and duration modifying risk. Heat exposure also increased maternal and fetal heart rate and body temperature. Proposed mechanisms included altered uteroplacental perfusion, dehydration, oxidative stress, inflammation, and changes in placental and uterine function. Socioeconomic status, housing, healthcare access, and cooling availability further influenced vulnerability. Conclusion: Extreme heat and heatwaves are an emerging threat to maternal and fetal health. Standardized exposure assessment, identification of vulnerable populations, context-specific warning systems, and effective adaptation strategies are needed to strengthen prevention and climate-resilient maternal care. Keywords: Extreme heat, Pregnancy, Maternal health, Fetal diseases, Climate change, Infant