Intensifying heat is sharply increasing risks for pregnant women and their babies, according to a survey of 1,000 health professionals from the UK to Zimbabwe. The poll of midwives, obstetricians and others by Wellcome found that 73 per cent had seen an increase in heat-related complications affecting pregnant women over the past five years. More than three-quarters reported an increase in harm to foetal or newborn health from high temperatures over the same period. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking heat to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital abnormalities, stillbirths, preterm births and maternal hypertension. For every 1C rise in heat exposure, the odds of preterm birth increase by around 4 per cent, while exposure to heatwaves is associated with a 25 per cent higher risk of obstetric complications.
Extreme heat is a relative, rather than absolute concept, so even mothers and babies in more temperate countries are affected. Ahead of the COP31 summit, Wellcome, investing about £20mn in research, is calling for the needs of pregnant women and their babies to be reflected in national climate and health plans. It is also demanding the first WHO clinical guidance on heat, pregnancy and the post-partum period.
Julia Gillard, chair of Wellcome and former prime minister of Australia, said no woman should have to fear that extreme heat would harm the baby she was carrying. Nearly all professionals who responded had personally cared for a pregnant woman or baby whose health they believed was affected by extreme heat. More than 90 per cent wanted more training and resources to protect pregnant women during extreme heat.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing