Scorching heat waves fueled by global warming are posing a significant risk to pregnant women worldwide, increasing the likelihood of dangerous complications during pregnancies, a recent report has warned. Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy has been linked to various issues such as premature birth, stillbirth, birth defects, and gestational diabetes.
The report, conducted by the US-based research group Climate Central, aimed to assess the impact of climate change on the frequency of extreme heat exposure experienced by pregnant women since 2020. The findings revealed that in 222 out of 247 countries and territories analyzed, climate change had at least doubled the average annual number of days where pregnant women were at risk of heat-related complications over the past five years.
The most significant increases in heat exposure were observed in developing countries with limited access to healthcare, particularly in regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. While the study focused on the rise in potentially dangerous hot days, it did not delve into the actual impact on pregnant women in these countries.
Ana Bonell, a maternal health and extreme heat researcher at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, emphasized the growing risk of extreme heat exposure highlighted in the report. She noted that the findings could also apply to other vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses during heatwaves.
Despite the increasing documentation on the health risks associated with extreme heat, there are still many unknowns regarding the physiological mechanisms that underlie these risks. A study published in Nature Medicine in 2024 estimated that heat waves could increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications by 1.25 times.
In light of these findings, experts recommend a dual approach to addressing the issue—battling climate change on a global scale and implementing local policies to help communities cope with extreme heat. Suggestions include initiatives such as greening neighborhoods, reducing pollution, creating cooling areas, and raising awareness about the risks of heat exposure. Additionally, there is a call for health advisories on heatwaves to specifically include warnings for pregnant women, a group that is often overlooked in current public health campaigns.
Overall, the report underscores the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of climate change on maternal health and highlights the importance of tailored interventions to protect vulnerable populations. By raising awareness and implementing targeted strategies, we can work towards safeguarding the well-being of pregnant women in the face of escalating climate challenges.
© 2025 AFP
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Climate change increasing risk of pregnancy problems: Study (2025, May 14)
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