How extreme weather and air pollution affect preterm birth

Extreme temperature, humidity, air pollution and spontaneous preterm birth

['FUNDING_R01'] · BROWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11145148

This study is looking at how things like very hot or humid weather and air pollution might lead to early births, and it's for expectant parents in the Northeast US who want to understand how their environment could affect their baby's arrival.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBROWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11145148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between extreme temperature, humidity, and air pollution and the occurrence of spontaneous preterm births. By utilizing advanced satellite measurements, the study will create detailed exposure records at the neighborhood level across the Northeast US. It aims to analyze how these environmental factors contribute to the risk of preterm labor by examining data from a comprehensive statewide administrative database. The research will focus on the days leading up to preterm deliveries to identify potential environmental triggers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals living in areas with varying levels of temperature, humidity, and air pollution.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those living in regions with stable environmental conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for spontaneous preterm births.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has established a link between air pollution and preterm birth, but this study's focus on extreme weather events is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.