As the planet heats up, those most affected are the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable populations. From devastating heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures to severe droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, climate change is hitting the hardest where people are already struggling. The poorest countries, racialised communities, economically disadvantaged individuals, the sick, and older people are among those who bear the brunt of human-induced climate change. Women, too, are particularly vulnerable: it’s well-established that the climate crisis exacerbates gender inequalities, contributing to increased domestic violence and reinforcing traditional, patriarchal gender roles. However, one aspect that remains under-discussed, despite years of scientific focus, is the impact of climate change on pregnant women’s health. A growing body of research shows a clear connection between climate factors and perinatal complications, highlighting the short- and long-term effects on expectant mothers’ mental and physical well-being.
The hidden dangers of high temperatures during pregnancy
Multiple studies reveal that extremely high temperatures, a direct consequence of climate change, are linked to an increased risk of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, and even miscarriage. Additionally, global warming facilitates the spread of diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue, which can be particularly hazardous for pregnant women. A study conducted in 16 California counties identified a strong correlation between high temperatures and premature births. Dr. Rupa Basu, a key researcher in this study, has spent years investigating the impact of heat on health. She explains that high temperatures and humidity can significantly increase the risk of preterm births: “Pregnant individuals may struggle to thermoregulate (control their internal body temperature) efficiently, especially when it’s necessary to cool down through sweating. With higher temperatures, blood flow shifts away from the heart and the developing foetus towards the skin’s surface in an attempt to cool down, depriving the placenta of essential nutrients, releasing oxytocin, and potentially triggering labour. Dehydration symptoms, which often go unnoticed and unlinked to heat exposure, can also trigger this response, as they include vomiting and nausea—common pregnancy symptoms that might be misinterpreted.” This is a risk that all pregnant women exposed to high temperatures face, though it affects them differently.
“The most shocking discovery,” Basu continues, “was the significant racial and ethnic disparity. Given what we know about birth complications, it wasn’t surprising to find differences among ethnic and racial groups, but the extent of the disparity was alarming. Black women had a 2.5 times higher risk of heat-associated preterm birth compared to white women, with Asian and Hispanic women also facing elevated risks.”
Climate change’s toll on mental health
The climate crisis is also taking a toll on mental health. From anxiety and fear about the planet’s future to the development of depressive symptoms following natural disasters, younger generations and women are particularly susceptible to climate-related psychological distress. This growing anxiety is even causing some people to reconsider having children. Uncertainty about the future and concerns about the quality of life a child might have in a world increasingly impacted by climate change are leading many environmentally conscious individuals to delay parenthood or have fewer children than they’d like.
As Dr. Basu points out, “Some people experience climate-related anxiety because they can see how rapidly the climate is changing, even within their lifetimes. No matter where you live, you can feel the effects of climate change, whether through heat waves, wildfire smoke, droughts, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events.” The climate crisis already poses a significant threat to the health and lives of newborns and children. Both short- and long-term exposure to heatwaves and air pollution are linked to negative effects on foetal brain and lung development, as well as an increased risk of stillbirths. Newborns, especially those born prematurely, are particularly vulnerable to heat waves due to their inability to regulate body temperature effectively. Various studies have associated exposure to extreme heat and air pollution with respiratory diseases, growth delays, neurodevelopmental disorders, and low birth weight. Additionally, food insecurity and water scarcity caused by extreme weather events can lead to malnutrition, which can be deadly for young children.
Underestimating the risks: Why we need urgent action
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, the risks that climate change poses to women, newborns, and children are still grossly underestimated. Dr. Basu notes, “Unfortunately, women are often the last group studied, and despite sufficient evidence showing a link between climate/heat and birth outcomes, there is still scepticism about prioritising these issues.” In response, the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have issued an urgent call to action to protect women, newborns, and children. Their advocacy document urges governments and private entities to recognise the short- and long-term risks, frame climate change as a health and human rights issue, monitor and track its consequences, and fund further research.
Dr. Basu also emphasises the importance of public health communication initiatives, which could prevent many negative birth outcomes by informing pregnant women about the potential effects of heat. However, she points out that “women are often not included in heat alerts and therefore don’t know how to take precautions.” Additionally, community education and awareness are crucial in preventing risks. While it is essential to do everything possible to mitigate the effects of human-induced climate change, informing pregnant women about potential dangers and appropriate precautions is just as critical. Presenting a recent analysis of the impact of the climate crisis on pregnancy, children, and older people, Anshu Banerjee, director of WHO’s Department of Maternal and Child Health, stated: “While awareness of climate change has increased, actions to safeguard the lives of those most at risk have barely scratched the surface. To achieve climate justice, we urgently need to address this situation.” Banerjee further explained that “climate change is not a distant health threat”—some people and populations are already paying a heavy price.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire Italy
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
