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Study of Heat Exposure associated Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves pose a growing threat to the health and wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn children.
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Heatwaves increase the risk of preterm birth by 16%.
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Heat exposure during early pregnancy is associated with a 54% higher risk of preeclampsia.
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Environmental heat reprograms placental function leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes Learn More.
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Summer heat may influence placental gene expression and function leading to preterm birth Learn More.
Our Aim
Our research aims to understand how exposure to heat during pregnancy may affect the health of mothers and their babies. We are particularly interested in uncovering the biological mechanisms that may contribute to pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
How we conduct our research
To understand how heat exposure during pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth and low birth weight, we use several complementary approaches:
1. Studying the placenta
We collect placenta and blood samples from pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth in Kano, Nigeria, and Sheffield, UK. We analyse placenta tissue using genetic, epigenetic and other molecular approaches to identify changes associated with heat exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes.
2. Studying placental explants in the laboratory
We take small pieces of placenta tissue, known as placental explants, and grow them in the laboratory. By exposing these tissues to higher temperatures, we can study how excess heat affects the placenta's normal growth and function.
3. Studying changes in the blood
We analyse blood samples to investigate how heat exposure affects the body's response to heat. In particular, we examine changes in blood protein profiles to identify biological changes that may be linked to pregnancy complications.
By bringing together findings from these different approaches, we aim to build a clearer picture of how heat exposure during pregnancy affects the placenta and the mother's body, and how these changes may contribute to preterm birth and low birth weight.
Our funder and sponsors
Our current study is funded by the Medical Research Foundation (UK) and sponsored by The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, in collaboration with Bayero University, ACEPHAP, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.
