A recently published Australian study indicates that higher temperatures may increase a woman’s risk of premature delivery or stillbirth. Premature babies have an elevated risk of birth defects, including:
- Mental retardation
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
- Respiratory complications
- Vision and hearing loss
- Cerebral palsy
If avoidable birth trauma caused your child’s birth defect, an experienced cerebral palsy attorney can help you seek compensation for your child’s injuries.
What Researchers Found
Led by Associate Professor Adrian Barnett of QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, the Australian study looked at still and premature births in Brisbane over a four-year period and recorded weekly temperature, humidity and air pollution levels for each pregnancy. Of the 101,870 births recorded during that period, 653 were stillbirths, roughly .6 percent. Science Daily quotes Dr. Barnett as saying: “We found that increases in temperature increased the risk of stillbirth, and this was particularly true in the earlier stages of pregnancy before 28 weeks.” What does this mean for expectant mothers? Keeping cool may increase the likelihood you will carry your baby to term.
The researchers involved in this study estimate 353 stillbirths per 100,000 pregnancies at 15 degrees Celsius (or 59 degrees Fahrenheit), while at 23 degrees Celsius (or 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit), they estimate 610 stillbirths per 100,000 pregnancies. Based on these findings, Dr. Barnett suggests pregnant women avoid overheating. He believes the implications of this study will become even more relevant as global temperatures rise.
Many women may be aware they should avoid hot tubs during pregnancy, as hot tubs can raise a woman’s body temperature and increase her risk for a miscarriage. They may also know dehydration can be harmful to an unborn baby and possibly induce birth. However, many women may be surprised to learn air temperature can affect one’s pregnancy as well. The Australian study suggests staying out of the heat as much as possible and utilizing the AC during hot parts of the year may actually reduce a baby’s risk of premature birth.
Other Causes of Premature Birth
Many other factors can lead to a baby being born prematurely, including:
- Lack of prenatal care
- Smoking, alcohol consumption and use of illegal drugs
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- High levels of stress
- Long periods of standing
- Certain environmental pollutants
- Infections during pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
While premature birth certainly increases a baby’s risk for birth defects, sometimes a defect results from doctor, nurse or hospital negligence. If your child’s cerebral palsy or other birth-related condition may have been caused by medical malpractice, contact a qualified cerebral palsy lawyer today to learn about your rights.
