Exposure to heat during pregnancy: a common occurrence in France, regardless of social background

This study looked at summer heat exposure in more than 12,000 pregnant women in France between 2002 and 2017, taking into account other factors such as air pollution, vegetation around the home, and socioeconomic context. The study included pregnant women from the SEPAGES cohort, as well as those from the PELAGIE, EDEN, and ELFE cohorts.

We observed that nearly one-third of women were highly exposed to heat in terms of intensity, duration, and severity. Depending on the geographical area of residence and the year of pregnancy, between 27% and 88% of women were exposed to high temperatures, poor air quality, and a lack of vegetation.

The study also showed that this multiple exposure affected all women, regardless of their social status. This suggests that the risks associated with summer heat, air pollution, and lack of vegetation during pregnancy affect the entire population, not just the most disadvantaged.

These findings highlight the importance of implementing heat protection measures for all pregnant women, especially during the summer months. They also pave the way for future research on the combined effects of heat and other environmental factors.