Miscarriage Risk Seen to Increase in the Summer Months: Study

Miscarriage risk summer months Temperature heat Boston University School of Public Health august February temperatures are hot and intolerable Dr. Amelia Wesselink extreme heat waves miscarriage and heat pregnant mothers may keep their cool

By Lili Scott , Parent Herald Jul 15, 11:19 am

At least a third of pregnancies can end up in a miscarriage but the causes are largely complicated and varied. A new study, however, shows that miscarriage risk may be impacted by the temperature, with the summer months bearing the highest instances of pregnancy loss.

In a study published in the journal Epidemiology, experts from the Boston University School of Public Health revealed that the miscarriage risk among women in North America goes up by 44 percent in August compared to February. American women in the South and Midwest are also likely to go through a miscarriage between late August and early September when the temperatures are hot and intolerable.

Dr. Amelia Wesselink, a research assistant professor of epidemiology, said that they noticed the risk getting higher in the summer among pregnancies before the eighth week of gestation.

Wesselink, however, said that they have to dig deeper and find out the other variants moms are exposed to that could be prevalent during the summer season as this could explain the increased risks.

The team of experts looked into the pregnancy planners of government study on pregnant women from 2013 to current. All participants had baseline information on their lifestyle, medical histories and socioeconomic status. The data also included information on pregnancy loss including the week of gestation and date of the miscarriage.

Exposure to heat waves also bad for the baby's delivery

But the theory of Wesselink's team is on the same page as the study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in 2016, which saw that pregnant women in their first seven or eight weeks of pregnancy are 11 percent more likely to experience a pregnancy termination if they are exposed to extreme heat waves. Thus, the doctors recommended more prudence and discernment in letting pregnant women venture outdoors if the weather is too hot.

Wesselink said that only a handful of studies have been done to determine the links between miscarriage and heat. These latest discoveries could fill in the gaps of information on the seasonal impact of pregnancy loss.

However, the experts are aware that heat is also a factor in the baby's preterm delivery, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. Thus, public health messaging and medical guidance for this summer must also consider actions that will help pregnant parents and their babies.

Precautions pregnant moms must take in hot weather

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, pregnant mothers may keep their cool by proactively ensuring that they hydrate. They have to drink water throughout the day and keep a water bottle next to them at all times.

If possible, they must also have a water spray handy so they can mist their face and neck, and then wipe with a soft towel. They can carry a fan in their purse to use when they feel overheated.

Moms must also avoid going out between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or the hottest part of the day. If they step out of the house, they need to wear a wide-brim hat to protect themselves from the sun's rays. Pregnant women who are indoors must be in shaded and well-ventilated rooms because the heat from outside can still low hot air inside.