Extreme heat is a growing health risk, especially for pregnant women, fetuses and newborns. This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Nature Medicine, brings together global evidence on the impact of heat exposure during pregnancy and around birth.
The authors reviewed 198 studies from 66 countries, covering 23 maternal, fetal and neonatal health outcomes. The strongest evidence was found for preterm birth: the odds of preterm birth increased by 4% per 1°C increase in heat exposure and by 26% during heat waves. High heat exposure was also linked to increased risks of stillbirth, congenital anomalies, gestational diabetes and obstetric complications.
The review highlights the need to include maternal and newborn health in climate-health planning. This includes early warning systems, cooling and hydration strategies, improved health facility preparedness and stronger surveillance of heat-related health risks.
This work was made possible through support from the HE²AT Center, HIGH Horizons and the Bio-HEAT study, with funding from The National Institutes of Health, the DS-I Africa initiative, the European Commission, UK Research and Innovation, and the Wellcome Trust.
Read more:
Lakhoo, D. P., Brink, N., Radebe, L., et al. (2025). A systematic review and meta-analysis of heat exposure impacts on maternal, fetal and neonatal health. Nature Medicine, 31, 684–694.