Extreme heat intensifies pregnancy complications, health systems warn
Rising extreme heat increases pregnancy complications and strains maternal healthcare systems globally.
Event / Science
COP31 Climate Summit Fiji
UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell warns of extreme heat risks to pregnant women at pre-COP31 meeting, citing rising heat-related pregnancy complications including premature births and stillbirths, with strain on maternal health systems globally.
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2026-10-05 to 2026-10-30 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Oct, 06:19 UTC
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Study published in Nature Medicine documents temperature effects on pregnancy outcomes
A large study published in 2024 in the journal Nature Medicine established that high temperatures increase multiple risks during pregnancy, ranging from premature births to infant death and congenital malformations. The study provides comprehensive documentation of the physiological relationships between heat exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
UN Climate Chief warns extreme heat poses increased pregnancy risks
Simon Stiell, head of UN Climate, stated that extreme heat linked to climate change during pregnancy is increasingly associated with premature births, stillbirths, low birth weight, and maternal complications. He made these remarks during a pre-COP31 preparatory meeting held October 5-8 in Fiji, ahead of the international climate conference COP31 scheduled for November in Antalya, Turkey.
Extreme heat strains maternal health systems and essential resources
Extreme heat waves and climate-related disasters are placing severe strain on maternal health systems and threatening access to essential resources including food, water, and electricity, according to UN Climate officials. These impacts are creating anxiety around pregnancy for millions of people globally.
Survey finds 73% of maternal health professionals report increased heat-related complications
A survey of maternal health professionals in five countries—including Australia, United Kingdom, and Brazil—found that 73% reported an increase in heat-related cases or complications linked to extreme heat waves affecting pregnant women over the past five years.
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