Heat spells and birth and peripartum pregnancy complications in Germany: a scoping review

Despite the heterogeneity in study designs and findings, the results from the small number of studies could indicate that heat exposure may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes in Germany, particularly preterm birth. To strengthen the evidence base, future research should focus on standardizing exposure definitions and employing robust methodologies. These findings underscore the need for public health strategies to mitigate the risks associated with rising temperatures for pregnant individuals.