Maternal pesticide exposure and risk of preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

•A systematic review was conducted of associations between pesticide exposure and pregnancy duration with a large conceptual coverage of pesticides.•Quantitative meta-analysis was performed for overall pesticides and specific pesticide metabolites whenever possible.•The results suggested moderate evidence of an association between pesticide exposure and higher risk of preterm birth.•More attention is required on pesticide compounds in addition to organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides, and on windows of susceptibility.