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Prenatal ambient heat exposure and neurodevelopment: A scoping review of human and animal research

Ambient heat exposure during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes are an emerging concern. This scoping review synthesises human and animal evidence on the association between prenatal ambient heat exposure and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Citation:
Rhaman A, Russell DJ, Kardol LR, Quintrell E, Morgan S, et al. Prenatal ambient heat exposure and neurodevelopment: A scoping review of human and animal research. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2026;272. 

Keywords:
Brain development; Central nervous system; Climate change; Heat exposure; Neurodevelopment; Pregnancy

Abstract:
Ambient heat exposure during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes are an emerging concern. This scoping review synthesises human and animal evidence on the association between prenatal ambient heat exposure and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.