Longer, hotter summers are becoming the new normal, and if you’re expecting, heat is something you’ll want to keep on your radar. A new analysis from Climate Central shows just how much extreme heat can affect pregnancy, and what you can do to protect yourself and your baby.
The study looked at temperature data from 2020 to 2024 across 940 cities and 247 countries, territories, and regions. The researchers were looking for “pregnancy heat-risk days”—times when extreme heat could increase the risk of complications for pregnant people.
Research shows that even a single day of extreme heat may slightly raise 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 harms moms and babies—but we can do something about it right now
What does the research mean for parents?
The findings are clear: nearly one-third of the countries studied experienced an extra month of dangerously hot days over the past five years. In many places, the number of those days doubled—a direct link to climate change.
“Even a single day of extreme heat can raise the risk of serious pregnancy complications,” said Climate Central’s vice president of science, Kristina Dahl. “Climate change is increasing extreme heat and stacking the odds against healthy pregnancies worldwide, especially in places where care is already hard to access.”
That risk isn’t just theoretical. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have both confirmed that extreme heat is associated with a rise in pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, hospitalizations, and preterm birth.
In the U.S., expecting parents are now seeing an average of about 12 more extreme heat days each year than in the past, though some areas are seeing much bigger jumps.
Related: Pregnant in summer: Eating for the Heat During Pregnancy
Simple ways to keep you and your baby safe and comfortable
There are simple, parent-approved ways to stay safe and cool even when temperatures climb.
5 ways pregnant parents can protect themselves from heat risks
- Stay hydrated: Keep your favorite water bottle close and sip regularly, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid peak heat hours: Plan walks, errands, or outings early in the morning or after sunset when it’s cooler.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing: Light colors and soft fabrics are your best friends right now.
- Keep cool at home: Fans, air conditioning, cooling cloths, or cool showers can make a big difference. Even short breaks in a cool space can help protect your health.
- Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion: Dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or heavy sweating mean it’s time to stop, rest, and cool down.
A deeper look: Maternal health and equity in a changing climate
For many pregnant people—especially those in historically underserved communities—avoiding extreme heat is more complicated. Limited access to healthcare, safe housing, or air conditioning makes staying cool harder, and that’s where climate justice and maternal health equity meet.
As women’s health physician Dr. Bruce Bekkar explains: “Extreme heat is now one of the most pressing threats to pregnant people worldwide, pushing more pregnancies into high-risk territory, especially in places already struggling with limited healthcare access.”
Dr. Bekkar adds, “Cutting fossil fuel emissions isn’t just good for the planet — it’s a crucial step toward protecting pregnant people and newborns around the world.”
You can help advocate for maternal health and climate justice by supporting organizations like Moms Clean Air Force and Black Mamas Matter Alliance, which work at the intersection of environmental health and reproductive justice.
Related: Miscarriage risk may be highest in late summer, data shows
Listen to your body—you know what’s best
Pregnancy already requires a deeper level of body awareness. When the heat rises, that self-awareness becomes even more important.
Talk with your OB-GYN or midwife about your heat exposure, and don’t hesitate to take rest days or slow down when your body needs it.
Remember, most pregnancies progress normally even during hot weather when simple precautions are taken. Trust your instincts, rest when you need to, and reach out to your care team if you have any concerns.
Sources:
- Climate Central Report (PDF)
- WHO on climate change and pregnancy
- CDC: Extreme heat and pregnancy