Impact of Rising Temperatures on Pregnant Women
As Earth’s average temperature is expected to rise by three degrees by the end of the century, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of an “existential threat to all of us” with pregnant women facing serious consequences.
Research Findings
New research indicates that pregnant women exposed to extreme heat are at a higher risk of stillbirths and miscarriages. The increasing trend of hotter summers due to climate change not only affects mothers-to-be in tropical regions but also in countries like the UK.
Study Details
The study, conducted by the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, began in 2017. Around eight hundred women from southern India participated, with half working in high-heat environments like brick kilns and agriculture, and the other half in cooler settings such as schools and hospitals.
Impact of Heat
There is no universal threshold for defining extreme heat, as its impact varies based on individual heat tolerance. Professor Jane Hirst, involved in the research, explains that working in extreme heat can double pregnancy risks like miscarriage and stillbirth.
Global Implications
While the study was conducted in India, its findings are applicable worldwide. Prof Hirst notes that pregnant women globally are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Wider Concerns
Recent studies show a 15% increase in premature birth and stillbirth risk with rising heat waves. Prof Hirst highlights that even in countries with milder climates like the UK, adverse pregnancy effects can be observed at lower temperatures.
Recommendations
Currently, there is no official international guidance for pregnant women working in hot conditions. The study in India utilized the wet-bulb-globe-temperature (WBGT) to assess heat effects on individuals, with a safe threshold of 27.5C WBGT for heavy work.