Global Survey Warns of Extreme Heat Risks to Mothers, Newborns

Extreme heat is increasingly affecting pregnant women and newborns. A global survey of maternal healthcare people across India, Australia, Brazil, UK and Zimbabwe found that rising temperatures as it also affects newborn care.

The survey, commissioned through Wellcome, among 1,000 healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, gynecologists, docs, midwives, nurses and different frontline people. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed said they have seen a surge in heat-related incidents among pregnant women over the past five years.

About 73% report an increase affecting pregnant women, while 76% report an increase affecting fetal or newborn health. Nearly all healthcare professionals surveyed said they had personally cared for a pregnant woman or baby whose health they believed had been negatively affected by extreme heat. This included 98% who reported such experiences involving pregnant women and 99% who had seen similar effects among babies.

Key Highlights

• Healthcare workers report rising heat-related pregnancy complications globally
• Newborns face risks including dehydration, low birth weight and illness
• Doctors seek stronger guidance to protect mothers during heatwaves

Pregnant and postpartum women are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Previous studies have associated heat stroke with premature onset, low onset weight, and stillbirth, among other maternal issues.

A 2024 assessment of the epidemiological evidence noted that for every 1°C push upward in the heat wave, the likelihood of premature onset surges through round 5% The heat wave is also associated with a 25% higher risk of obstetric complications.

Recent surveys show that those concerns are becoming increasingly apparent in healthcare settings. Approximately 23% of respondents reported that they had handled pregnant complications requiring additional follow-up or remedies that they believed were related to excessive heat.

Health care workers additionally mentioned low starting weight or restricted growth, dehydration, and heat-related illness in newborns. Difficulties with feeding, breathing problems, and demanding situations were additionally mentioned in maintaining the infant's body temperature.

Extreme heat can likewise impact access to health care. About 27% said extreme temperatures make it more difficult for pregnant women and families to visit or access hospital treatment. About 29% reported a surge in urgent or emergency exposure.

The survey also shows a growing challenge over the years. Almost 81%of healthcare professionals said they were concerned that severe heat would have a greater chance of maternal, fetal, and new child health without additional action in the subsequent five years.

Almost 82%said that policymakers and fitness system leaders should give more priority to protecting pregnant women and children from overheating.

Healthcare people also highlighted the need for higher education. Nearly 92% said they wanted additional education and resources to help protect pregnant girls at some point during periods of extreme heat, while at the same time 55% said clearer nationwide or worldwide operations would enhance care.

Julia Gillard, president of Wellcome and former Australian prime minister, said the experiences of healthcare workers showed that the impact on mothers and children did not want to go unnoticed.

“Extreme heat is an invisible killer, but pregnant girls can no longer be invisible,” Julia said, adding that leaders had already found evidence and answers and must act to protect mothers and children

Dr.Madeleine Thomson, Head of Climate Impacts and Adaptation at Wellcome. Said, "However, many countries are not appropriately prepared for the fitness consequences of rising temperatures right now," She pointed to measures including early warning structures and cooler buildings as prudent methods to protect sensitive organizations.

The survey turned out to be on line via censuwide from September 17 to October 1, 2026, surveying 200 healthcare experts in each United States Findings published ahead of COP31, including blanketing maternal and newborn health specifically in climate fitness plans and heat-related for more powerful systems Health risks need to be highlighted.