Effects of Heat Exposure on Maternal and Pregnancy Health - The increase in frequency and severity of extreme heat events worldwide is posing significant health risks globally. This longitudinal study evaluates hyperlocal (neighborhood-level) heat exposure, social and environmental factors, and adaptive behaviors among pregnant women in Miami, Florida. By using hyperlocal heat assessments and evaluating their interaction with environmental and socioeconomic factors, this study will identify effective strategies to reduce heat-related risks during pregnancy. The increase in frequency and severity of extreme weather, such as heat waves, worldwide is posing significant health risks. This study addresses critical gaps in understanding the daily heat exposure of urban residents, with a focus on pregnant women. Previous research has linked higher temperatures to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery. However, many existing studies rely on census data, which overlook hyperlocal conditions such as indoor/outdoor home temperatures and neighborhood temperature variations. In Miami, local temperatures frequently exceed official National Weather Service measurements. Using hyperlocal assessments, this study investigates the effects of extreme weather, heat, on maternal and pregnancy health outcomes. This longitudinal pilot study, embedded in an established pregnancy cohort, has two main aims. The first aim is to evaluate how neighborhood and housing conditions, as well as economic factors, influence the relationship between heat exposure and maternal/pregnancy health outcomes (including psychological stress, low birth weight, and preterm birth). The hypothesis is that higher hyperlocal heat exposure will be associated with poorer neighborhood/housing quality and greater economic hardship, and will have negative impacts on maternal and pregnancy health outcomes. The second aim is to identify adaptive behaviors (e.g., HVAC usage, reduced physical activity) adopted by pregnant women to mitigate the risks of heat exposure. The hypothesis is that behaviors such as reduced step count during warmer months and increased air-conditioning use will lessen the health impacts of heat stress. This study will contribute to understanding how local heat exposure affects pregnancy and will provide insights for developing effective strategies to reduce heat-related health risks. The proposed F31 award will also support the researcher’s development of expertise in maternal health and extreme weather and health research, laying the foundation for postdoctoral training and a future career as an independent nurse researcher.
