The biggest, warmest summers become the new normal and if you wait, heat is something you want to keep your radar. A new analysis by the Climate Central It shows how much extreme heat can affect pregnancy and what you can do to protect yourself and your baby.
The study examined temperature data from 2020 to 2024 in 940 cities and 247 countries, territories and areas. Researchers were looking for “pregnancy days” -Parts when extreme heat could increase the risk of complications for pregnant women.
Research shows that even one day of extreme heat can slightly increase the risk of pregnancy complications, but the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby.
Related: Climate change hurts mothers and babies – but we can do something about it now
What does the research for parents mean?
The findings are clear: almost one -third of the countries studied have experienced an additional month of dangerous hot days in the last five years. In many places, the number of these days doubled – an immediate connection to climate change.
“Even a day of extreme heat can increase the risk of serious pregnancy complications,” said Climate Central Vice President Kristina Dahl. “Climate change increases extreme heat and stacking the likelihood of healthy pregnancies worldwide, especially in places where care is already difficult to access.”
This risk is not only theoretical. THE World Health Organization and the Disease Control and Prevention Centers They both confirmed that extreme heat is linked to increasing pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, hospitalization and premature birth.
In the US, expecting that parents now see on average about 12 more extreme heat days each year than in the past, although some areas see much larger jumps.
Related: Pregnant in Summer: Eating for heat during pregnancy
Simple ways to keep you and your baby safe and comfortable
There are simple, parents -approved ways to stay safe and cool even when temperatures rise.
5 Ways Pregnant Parents can be protected from heat hazards
- Stay hydrated: Keep your favorite bottle of water near and press regularly, even when you are not thirsty.
- Avoid peak heat hours: Draw walks, things or excursions early in the morning or after sunset when they are cooler.
- Wear loose, breathable clothes: Light colors and soft fabrics are your best friends right now.
- Keep cool at home: Fans, air conditioning, cooling sails or cool showers can make a big difference. Even short breaks in a cool space can help you protect your health.
- Get to know warning signs of heat exhaustion: Dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat or heavy sweating mean that it is time to stop, rest and cool.
A deeper appearance: maternal health and equality in a changing climate
For many pregnant women – especially those in historically inadequate communities – avoiding extreme heat is more complicated. Limited access to healthcare, safe housing or air conditioning makes maintenance cooler tougher and there is the righteousness of the climate and maternal health.
As a women’s health doctor Dr. Bruce Bekkar He explains: “Extreme heat is now one of the most pressing threats to pregnant women around the world, pushing more pregnancies to dangerous soil, especially in places already struggling with limited access to health care.”
Dr. Bekkar adds: “Cutting fossil fuel emissions is not just good for the planet – it is a crucial step towards protecting pregnant women and newborns around the world.”
You can help support maternal health and climate justice by supporting organizations such as Moms Clean Air Force and Black Mamas Matter Allianceworking at the intersection of environmental health and reproductive justice.
Related: Risk of recovery may be higher in late summer, show data
Listen to your body – you know what is best
Pregnancy already requires a deeper level of awareness in the body. When heat increases, this self -awareness becomes even more important.
Talk to your Ob-Gyn or midwife about heat exposure and do not hesitate to take days rest or slow down when your body needs it.
Remember, most pregnancies go normally even during hot weather when simple precautions are taken. Trust your instincts, rest when needed and contact your care team if you have any concerns.
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