Extreme Heat in Pregnancy Raises Newborn Risks in India: Study

A new study found that extreme heat during pregnancy can be harmful to babies in India.

The study looked at over 200,000 births and found that each extra hot day during pregnancy slightly increases the risk of problems like low birth weight, early birth, or stillbirth.

The risks depend on when during the pregnancy the heat happens.

For example, heat in the first three months of pregnancy is linked to early births, while heat in the second three months can lead to lower birth weight.

Mothers who are underweight or live in mountainous areas are especially at risk.

The researchers say that as heatwaves become more common, India needs to protect pregnant women, especially those who are poor or less educated.