SheLit News Desk | June 26, 2025
A recent global report has revealed alarming findings about the increasing risks that extreme heat poses to pregnant women worldwide. With the rise in global temperatures, expectant mothers are facing significantly higher chances of pregnancy complications, raising urgent concerns for public health and climate action.
According to a study by Climate Central, the number of dangerously hot days for pregnant women has doubled in over 220 countries due to human-induced climate change. These heat-risk days are defined as days when temperatures exceed 95% of the historical local maximum, making them particularly hazardous for pregnant individuals.
India Among High-Risk Countries
India has been identified as one of the nations severely impacted by this trend. On average, Indian states are witnessing six additional heat-risk days each year, with coastal states like Goa, Kerala, and hill states like Sikkim experiencing even higher numbers.
“Even a single day of extreme heat can significantly increase the chances of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, or even stillbirth,” warned Dr. Kristina Dahl, Vice President of Science at Climate Central.
How Heat Affects Pregnant Women
Medical experts explain that during pregnancy, a woman’s body is already under increased strain due to higher blood volume and metabolic demands. Exposure to extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in severe cases, dangerous conditions such as:
- Preterm labour
- Placental abruption
- Gestational diabetes
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirth
In addition, studies suggest that extreme heat exposure during pregnancy may also increase the risk of developmental disorders in newborns.
Climate Change Driving the Crisis
The report highlights that climate change is directly responsible for the surge in extreme heat days globally. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current pace, these risks will only worsen, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, including pregnant women in developing countries.
What Can Be Done
Health experts and climate advocates are calling for immediate action to mitigate these risks. Recommended steps include:
✅ Providing access to cool shelters during heatwaves
✅ Issuing timely heat-health alerts for pregnant women
✅ Encouraging proper hydration and reduced outdoor activity during extreme heat
✅ Urgent global action to curb emissions and slow down global warming
A Wake-Up Call for Policy Makers
This report serves as yet another reminder that the climate crisis is not a distant problem — it is a present danger affecting the most vulnerable among us. Governments, healthcare providers, and communities must prioritize maternal health in climate adaptation and public health policies.
Stay tuned with SheLit for more updates on women’s health, rights, and empowerment.