Extreme Heat Poses Growing Threats to Pregnant People

As climate change increases extreme heat, experts warn that pregnant people face heightened health risks. Heat exposure has been linked to adverse birth outcomes, including effects on fetal development and long-term health. Researchers are working to define safe versus dangerous temperature thresholds and say pregnant people should be prioritized in climate adaptation.

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Climate change is raising average temperatures and making severe heat days more common. August set a global heat record, and some U.S. states saw more emergency visits and deaths tied to heat. Pregnancy is thought to make the body less able to cope with heat, and experts argue climate plans should prioritize this group.

Research has linked heat exposure with lower birth weight. In France's 2003 heat wave, pregnant people were more than twice as likely to have a low-birth-weight baby, particularly when heat occurred in the first trimester. An Arizona study associated hotter third-trimester temperatures with lower birth weight.