Pregnant women exposed to heatwaves 25% more likely to suffer complications

Medical professionals report a marked rise in heat-related pregnancy and newborn complications, linking exposure to heatwaves with higher rates of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight and maternal illness. A survey of 1,000 clinicians across Australia, Brazil, India, the UK and Zimbabwe found 73% had seen more heat-driven complications in pregnant women and 76% had observed impacts on foetuses or newborns; nearly all respondents had cared for at least one affected pregnant woman (99%) or baby (98%). Researchers quantify the risk: exposure to heatwaves raises obstetric complications by about 25%, and each 1°C increase in heat exposure is associated with roughly a 5% higher chance of preterm birth. Reported specific problems include restricted fetal growth or low birth weight (34%), dehydration or heat illness (36%), and feeding, breathing or temperature-regulation difficulties in newborns (36%).

Health leaders and clinicians warn health systems lack training, tools and guidance to protect mothers and babies as global temperatures climb, and call for funded protective measures and World Health Organization clinical guidance. Rising temperatures are also hindering access to care for some pregnant women. The warnings come amid record 2026 heat and ahead of climate summits in Fiji and Turkey, with advocates urging that maternal and neonatal health be explicitly integrated into climate policy and adaptation planning.