Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Survey Finds Extreme Heat Raises Risks for Mothers and Newborns
A survey asked 1,000 healthcare workers in five countries about very hot weather and pregnancy.
Many said they had seen more heat-related health problems for pregnant women over the past five years.
Many also reported more problems affecting babies before or just after birth.
Nearly all had cared for a pregnant woman or baby whose health they believed was affected by heat.
They described problems such as dehydration, restricted growth, and difficulty feeding or breathing.
Some said heat made it harder for families to get to healthcare.
Many workers worry these risks will grow without more action.
Wellcome says health plans should do more to protect pregnant women and babies during extreme heat.
A Wellcome-commissioned survey of 1,000 maternal healthcare professionals covered Australia, Brazil, India, the UK and Zimbabwe.
Over the previous five years, 73% reported more heat-related cases or complications affecting pregnant women, and 76% reported more effects on foetal or newborn health.
Nearly all respondents had cared for a pregnant woman or baby whose health they believed was affected by extreme heat.
Reported concerns included pregnancy complications, newborn dehydration or heat-related illness, restricted growth, and feeding, breathing or temperature-regulation difficulties.
Respondents reported barriers to accessing care, while many called for more training, clearer guidance and stronger climate and health planning.
- Who
- A Wellcome-commissioned survey of 1,000 maternal healthcare professionals; Simon Stiell, Julia Gillard and Wellcome representatives commented on the findings.
- What
- The survey found that professionals reported increased heat-related risks for pregnant women and babies, and disruption to access to care.
- When
- It asked about changes over the previous five years and was released ahead of COP31.
- Where
- Australia, Brazil, India, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.
- Why
- The survey examined reported effects of extreme heat on maternal and newborn health and the preparedness of healthcare services.
- Survey size
- 1,000 maternal healthcare professionals
- Countries surveyed
- Australia, Brazil, India, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe
- Increase in maternal effects
- 73% reported an increase in heat-related cases or complications affecting pregnant women.
- Increase in foetal or newborn effects
- 76% reported an increase in cases affecting foetal or newborn health.
- Care experience
- 98% had cared for a pregnant woman and 99% for a baby whose health they believed was affected by extreme heat.
- Reported access and emergency-care impacts
- 27% said heat made it harder to access care; 29% reported more urgent or emergency presentations.
- Preparedness needs
- 92% wanted more training and resources; 55% said clearer national or international guidance would help.
- Policy priority
- 82% said policymakers and health-system leaders should give greater priority to protecting pregnant women and babies.
Sources
Extreme heat puts pregnant women, newborns at greater risk: Survey
Extreme Heat Disrupting Pregnancy Care, Raising Health Risks For Newborns: Survey
Extreme heat putting pressure on pregnant women and babies, finds new global survey
