Archive · 24 Nov 2025
High Heat During Pregnancy May Cause Premature Birth: Study
A new study found that high temperatures during pregnancy might cause babies to be born too early.
Researchers looked at blood samples from 215 pregnant women in Atlanta and found that when it was very hot, certain important molecules in the mothers' blood changed.
These molecules help the body manage stress and make energy.
The study suggests that these changes might increase the risk of premature birth.
The researchers hope that by understanding these changes, they can develop ways to identify pregnancies at higher risk and help mothers have healthier pregnancies.
High temperatures during pregnancy may disrupt key molecules like methionine, proline, citrulline, and pipecolate, increasing the risk of premature birth.
The study analyzed blood samples from 215 pregnant women in Atlanta, matching residential addresses with ambient temperatures.
Higher temperatures were associated with changes in levels of methionine, citrulline, pipecolate, and proline, which are involved in stress and energy management.
The study identified 23 metabolic pathways and four overlapping metabolites linked to both temperature exposure and preterm birth.
Researchers suggest that these findings could help develop early biomarkers to identify high-risk pregnancies and inform prevention strategies.
- Who
- Pregnant women in Atlanta, USA
- What
- High temperatures during pregnancy may lead to premature birth by disrupting key molecules
- When
- Study conducted using data from 2014 onwards
- Where
- Atlanta, USA
- Why
- To understand the biological impact of high temperatures on pregnancy outcomes
- Study Focus
- Impact of high temperatures on pregnancy outcomes
- Key Metabolites
- Methionine, proline, citrulline, pipecolate
- Study Location
- Atlanta, USA
- Number of Participants
- 215 pregnant women
- Journal
- Science Advances
- Lead Researcher
- Donghai Liang, Emory University
- Key Finding
- Higher temperatures disrupt stress and energy management molecules
- Potential Impact
- Early biomarkers for high-risk pregnancies