Association between maternal exposure to oil and gas extraction process with adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oil and gas extraction plays a critical role in global energy supply and economic development, but it is increasingly associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly during pregnancy. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the relationship between maternal exposure to oil and gas pollutants and selected adverse birth outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to June 16, 2024. We included studies assessing the effects of maternal exposure to oil and gas extraction processes on preterm birth (PTB), miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW), and birth weight (BW). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and GRADE framework. From 4,235 screened articles, 24 studies met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed statistically significant associations between maternal exposure and increased odds of PTB (pooled OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13), miscarriage (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.60-2.58), SGA (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.45), and reduced BW (mean difference: -30.36 g, 95% CI: -43.98 to -17.28). No significant associations were observed for stillbirth (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.68-1.40), birth defects (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.84-1.53), or LBW (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.93-1.24). Substantial heterogeneity was present across most outcomes, and publication bias could not be ruled out in several analyses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest possible associations between maternal exposure to oil and gas extraction processes and several adverse birth outcomes, including PTB, miscarriage, SGA, and LBW. However, due to methodological variability, potential biases, and high heterogeneity among studies, these results should be interpreted with caution. Further research with standardized exposure assessments and larger, population-based cohorts is needed to confirm and refine these associations.