Expectant mothers living in greener neighbourhoods may be giving their babies a natural buffer against the harmful effects of outdoor air pollution, according to new research from Curtin University.
A systematic review published in Environmental Research suggests that proximity to trees, parks, and gardens may lower the risk of pre-term births linked to prenatal exposure to outdoor pollutants.
The study examines whether public health interventions, such as urban greening, can mitigate the harm caused by environmental stressors like extreme heat and smog.
The research team synthesised 21 primary studies spanning nearly three decades, involving data from more than 13.5 million participants across six countries.
While the strongest evidence pointed towards green spaces reducing pre-term birth risks associated with air pollution, the researchers noted that the protective effects against extreme heat were less certain.
Lead author Chamunorwa Nyamuranga, a PhD student from Curtin’s School of Population Health, said the findings helped support the need for urban planning.
“Exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme heat during pregnancy has been linked to a range of adverse outcomes in children,” Nyamuranga said.
“Our review suggests that greener neighbourhoods may help buffer some of these risks, but the evidence is still limited and more high-quality investigations from broader geodemographic settings are needed.”
Despite the promising findings, co-author Dr Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu highlighted striking gaps in current global knowledge.
“We also found that no studies examined wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy, and none investigated whether clinical care provided during or after pregnancy modifies how these exposures affect children. Those are critical gaps that future research needs to address,” Nyadanu said.
The researchers are now calling for more high-quality investigations into how clinical care, maternal nutrition, and breastfeeding might also help mitigate environmental risks.
As climate change continues to drive record-breaking temperatures and increased pollution levels, the Curtin team believes that nature-based solutions like urban greening will become essential public health tools.