Extreme Heat Poses Growing Risks for Mothers and Babies, Experts Urge Action
Extreme heat is increasingly making pregnancy and childbirth more dangerous, according to health experts. A survey commissioned by the global health foundation Wellcome revealed that nearly three out of four maternal health workers have observed an increase in heat-related cases or complications over the past five years. Simon Stiell, head of the UN’s climate body, highlighted these findings at the pre-COP summit in Nadi, Fiji, emphasizing the less obvious dangers of extreme heat. Higher temperatures are linked to premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and complications for mothers. Specifically, a 1°C rise in temperature correlates with a five percent increase in premature births and a seven percent increase in gestational diabetes. The Wellcome survey included 1,000 maternal health professionals across Australia, Brazil, India, the UK, and Zimbabwe, with 98% reporting care for pregnant women and 99% for babies whose health was affected by extreme heat. The vast majority (92%) called for more trai...
