Wellcome survey: Extreme heat threatens mother and baby health

Almost three-quarters of doctors, midwives and other maternal health professionals say heat-related cases or complications have increased in the past five years, according to a survey commissioned by global health organization Wellcome.

Simon Stiell, head of the United Nations climate agency, cited these findings at a pre-COP summit in Nadi, Fiji, today, warning of the less obvious dangers of extreme heat.

'RISKS CAN BE REDUCED WITH GOOD PLANNING'

High temperatures are associated with premature birth, stillbirth and low birth weight, as well as complications in mothers. According to Wellcome, every 1°C increase in temperature is associated with a five per cent increase in preterm birth and a seven per cent increase in gestational diabetes.

But according to Stiell, many of these risks can be reduced with better planning; This could be simple things like improved temperature alerts or providing reliable water and electricity in clinics.

HEALTH WORKERS ASK FOR HELP AGAINST EXTREME HEAT

The Wellcome survey included 1,000 maternal health professionals in Australia, Brazil, India, the UK and Zimbabwe. 98% of participants said they had cared for a pregnant woman whose health they believed was affected by extreme heat, and 99% said the same for a baby.

The majority of survey respondents said they needed more support. 92% of respondents called for more education, guidance and resources to protect pregnant women from heat.