What percentage of low birth weight cases are linked to hot weather?

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Approximately 13 per cent of low birth weight cases are linked to hot weather.

New research indicates that approximately 13 per cent of low birth weight cases can be attributed to hot weather. This figure is expected to increase by 8-10 per cent by the 2060s as a consequence of climate change.
Research Methodology and Findings

The study, which analysed health data from over 85,000 mothers and babies in Pakistan between 2008 and 2017, combined birth records with temperature data. Researchers found that 18 per cent of all babies included in the study were classified as having low birth weight, defined as weighing less than 2.5 kilogrammes at birth. The published research in BMC Medicine specifically identified the link between hot weather and approximately 13 per cent of these low birth weight cases.
Regional Impact and Contributing Factors

In certain regions of Pakistan, pregnant women exposed to high temperatures faced up to a 70 per cent higher likelihood of delivering low-birth-weight infants. This heightened risk is attributed to a combination of factors, including the hotter climate and greater socioeconomic disadvantages experienced in these areas.
Implications of Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight is a significant concern as it is associated with increased neonatal mortality and can lead to long-term health issues. These can include impaired growth and cognitive defects, impacting an individual's overall well-being throughout their life.
Urgent Need for Adapted Strategies

The findings underscore an urgent requirement for enhanced maternal health services and the development of climate-adapted maternal care strategies. Experts warn that the compounding effects of climate change, poverty, limited healthcare access, poor air quality, and maternal undernutrition could disproportionately increase risks for mothers and newborns.

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What percentage of low birth weight cases are linked to hot weather?

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