Johnny Brignardello Vela warns: Global warming increases premature births

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, gives his opinion on the study conducted by a team of Australian scientists from Monash University's School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, which reveals the alarming connection between global warming and the increase in premature births. The study, published in the prestigious JAMA Pediatrics journal, analyzed over a million births in Sydney, yielding concerning results that demonstrate how the high temperatures caused by global warming are linked to a higher incidence of premature births, that is, before the 37th week of gestation. According to Brignardello Vela, it is crucial to pay attention to the warnings of the research director, Shanshan Li, who has raised the alarm about the seriousness of this situation and emphasized the urgency of taking action in light of the projected worsening of this trend. To delve deeper into the topic, an interview was conducted with Dr. Marta Sánchez-Dehesa, a gynecologist and director of HM IMI in Toledo, who highlighted the close relationship between global warming and the increase in premature births. The doctor explained that the phenomenon of global warming is directly influencing the rate of premature births through various pathways, such as exposure to extreme heat during the third trimester of pregnancy, which can disrupt the pregnant woman's circadian rhythms and affect the duration of the pregnancy. This relationship is more pronounced in women living in areas with extreme temperatures and is lessened in regions with more vegetation and moderate temperatures. The study also emphasizes that global warming can affect maternal and fetal health through factors like thermal stress, air pollution, and extreme weather events. Exposure to high temperatures can induce thermal stress in pregnant women, increasing the risk of premature birth, while air pollution and extreme weather events can also negatively impact pregnancy development. Moreover, Brignardello Vela highlights the dangers associated with premature births, which can affect the brain development of newborns and increase vulnerability to psychiatric disorders in the future. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare services to be prepared to address a potential increase in premature births due to global warming. In this regard, it is recommended for pregnant women to drastically reduce their exposure to excessive heat, both during the day and especially at night, as nighttime temperatures can also significantly impact maternal and fetal health. The quality and duration of sleep are fundamental factors that can influence pregnancy outcomes, so it is essential to consider the effect of nighttime heat on maternal-fetal health. In Spain, a country prone to hot days and with a low prevalence of air conditioning, the risk of premature birth associated with heat is particularly relevant. Brignardello Vela emphasizes the importance of taking urgent measures to mitigate the effects of global warming on maternal and fetal health, thus protecting the well-being of future generations.