Extreme Heat Raises Pregnancy Risks, Health Survey Finds

Extreme heat is emerging as a growing health concern for pregnant women and newborns. A new survey commissioned by Wellcome found that 73% of maternal healthcare professionals surveyed said they had seen an increase in heat-related cases or complications affecting pregnant women over the past five years.

The survey included 1,000 healthcare professionals across India, Australia, Brazil, the UK and Zimbabwe. It found that 76% also reported an increase in heat-related cases or complications affecting foetal or newborn health. Nearly all respondents said they had personally cared for a pregnant woman or baby whose health they believed had been adversely affected by extreme heat.

Research cited alongside the survey has linked heat exposure during pregnancy with risks including premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth and maternal complications. Indian research has also reported associations between heat exposure and miscarriage and stillbirth. However, the survey itself reflects healthcare professionals’ observations and does not establish that extreme heat alone caused individual complications.

The findings are adding to concerns about the health effects of rising temperatures. Health experts and researchers are calling for better training, clearer clinical guidance and stronger heat-preparedness measures to protect pregnant women, fetuses and newborns as extreme heat becomes a growing health challenge.