A new study warns that heatwaves, worsened by climate change, significantly increase pregnancy-related complications. Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy is linked to premature birth, stillbirth, birth defects, and gestational diabetes. Researchers found that the number of dangerous heat-risk days has grown, especially in developing countries with limited healthcare access.

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• Heatwaves linked to increased pregnancy complications, including premature birth and stillbirth
• Climate change doubled annual pregnancy heat-risk days in 222 out of 247 countries
• Rising temperatures most impactful in developing regions: Caribbean, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa
• Heatwaves increase risk of complications during pregnancy by 1.25 times
• The study only examined the rise in heat-risk days, not actual health effects on pregnant women
• Developing countries with limited healthcare access most affected
• Study also highlights potential risks for the elderly during extreme heat
• Experts call for local measures to combat heat risks, such as greening neighborhoods and pollution control
• Current heatwave health warnings rarely include specific advice for pregnant women
• Recommendations urge policy changes and better communication on heat risks for vulnerable groups