Extreme heat increasingly threatening pregnant women and babies, survey finds

HARARE - Nearly three-quarters of maternal healthcare professionals surveyed across five countries say extreme heat is already increasing health risks for pregnant women and newborn babies, according to a new international survey commissioned by global health foundation Wellcome.

The survey of 1,000 maternal healthcare professionals in Zimbabwe, Australia, Brazil, India and the United Kingdom found that 73% had observed an increase in heat-related cases or complications affecting pregnant women over the past five years. A further 76% reported an increase in heat-related complications affecting foetal or newborn health.

The findings come amid growing global concern over the impact of climate change and rising temperatures on public health.

According to the survey, 98% of healthcare professionals said they had personally cared for a pregnant woman whose health they believed had been adversely affected by extreme heat, while 99% reported caring for a baby affected by excessive temperatures.

Researchers said extreme heat poses particular risks during pregnancy and after childbirth, with studies linking heat exposure to preterm births, low birth weight, stillbirths and maternal health complications.

The survey revealed that around 23% of healthcare professionals had encountered pregnancy complications requiring additional monitoring or treatment that they believed were linked to extreme heat exposure.

Respondents also reported observing low birth weight or restricted foetal growth (34%), dehydration and heat-related illness in newborns (36%), and difficulties with feeding, breathing and temperature regulation among infants (33%).

Extreme heat is also affecting access to healthcare services.

More than a quarter of respondents (27%) said high temperatures were making it harder for pregnant women and families to travel to or access healthcare facilities, while 29% reported an increase in urgent or emergency medical presentations linked to heat-related conditions.

Healthcare professionals expect the challenge to intensify in the coming years. More than four in five respondents (81%) said they were concerned that extreme heat would pose an increasing risk to maternal, foetal and newborn health over the next five years unless additional action is taken.

A similar proportion (82%) believe policymakers and health system leaders should place greater emphasis on protecting pregnant women and infants from extreme heat.

Wellcome Chair Julia Gillard said the survey highlighted an urgent but often overlooked public health concern.

"Midwives and doctors from countries across five continents are telling us that extreme heat is affecting the health of pregnant women and newborn babies. No woman should have to fear that extreme heat will harm the baby she is carrying.

"As the planet continues to heat up because of climate change, more mothers and babies will be put at risk. Extreme heat is an invisible killer, but pregnant women must not be invisible. Leaders have the evidence and solutions they need. Now they must act," said Gillard.

The survey also found strong demand among healthcare professionals for more support and guidance.

About 92% of respondents said they wanted additional training and resources to help protect pregnant women during periods of extreme heat, while 55% said clearer national and international guidelines would improve the care they provide.

Wellcome said practical solutions are already being tested in countries including Zimbabwe and India.

Among the initiatives is the Heat Adaptation for Pregnant and Infant Health (HAPI) study being conducted in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The project is assessing interventions such as handheld fans, reflective roof paint for health facilities and community-led climate information systems aimed at reducing heat-related health risks.

Ahead of COP31, Wellcome is urging governments, health authorities and international organisations to include pregnant women, new mothers and babies in national climate and health plans, develop clinical guidance on heat exposure during pregnancy and strengthen monitoring systems to track heat-related health impacts.

The organisation has invested more than £20 million in research focused on understanding the effects of extreme heat during pregnancy and identifying practical solutions to protect women and newborns.