October 7, 2026: Extreme heat is becoming an increasingly serious maternal and newborn health challenge, according to a global survey of 1,000 healthcare professionals across India, Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

The survey found that 73% of healthcare professionals had observed increased heat-related pregnancy complications over the previous five years, while 76% reported growing risks affecting fetuses and babies.

Why pregnancy increases heat vulnerability

Pregnancy changes cardiovascular and temperature-regulation demands. Extreme heat can therefore place additional physiological stress on pregnant women, particularly when exposure is prolonged or combined with dehydration and strenuous activity.

Potential risks

Research has associated heat exposure with outcomes including premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage and stillbirth. Individual risk varies according to temperature, duration of exposure, health status and access to cooling and medical care.

India’s challenge

India experiences increasingly frequent periods of extreme heat. Pregnant women who work or travel outdoors may face prolonged exposure, while heatwaves can simultaneously put pressure on hospitals and healthcare infrastructure.

What people should know

Extreme heat does not mean every hot day creates a pregnancy emergency. During heatwaves, pregnant women should follow medical advice, avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure and seek professional care if concerning symptoms develop.

Why health systems need to adapt

Maternal healthcare planning increasingly needs heat alerts, patient education, cooling capacity and emergency preparedness. Climate adaptation is therefore becoming part of routine public-health planning.

What happens next

The findings add to growing evidence that climate change can affect reproductive and newborn health. Researchers and healthcare professionals are calling for stronger recognition of extreme heat as a maternal-health risk and better preparation before severe heat events.

Source: Indian Express reporting on the Wellcome-commissioned global healthcare survey, October 6, 2026.