Extreme Heat Is Putting Maternal, Newborn And Child Health At Risk

Introduction 

Climate change is already affecting human health and has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the greatest threat to global public health. It is projected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths each year due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress (1). 

Evidence gaps remain, but what we already know is clear: extreme heat poses serious risks for pregnant women and newborns (2). 

In January 2026, WHO convened a three-day meeting in Geneva to examine the health impacts of heat exposure on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH). What distinguished this meeting was its system-wide approach. Organised jointly with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it brought together epidemiologists, climate scientists, and representatives from public health, surveillance, and MNCH sectors. These sectors have often operated separately. This meeting moved the conversation toward coordination, integration, and stronger preparedness. 

The objective was to identify priority indicators to measure the effects of extreme heat on MNCH in the years ahead. ICM Midwife Advisor Liselotte Kweekel participated in the discussions and shares reflections on the outcomes and their implications for midwives and midwifery. 

Why does extreme heat matter for maternal and newborn health? 

Heat exposure increases the risk of hypertension in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, infections, premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight (2). These risks are evident at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. 

Among these outcomes, premature birth has been studied most extensively. During a heatwave, the risk of preterm birth rises by 26% (2). Heat exposure has also been associated with higher rates of perinatal mental health disorders, including antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety (2). 

Heat affects daily life in ways that compound these risks. For example, women may keep doors and windows closed for safety, but this can trap heat indoors, disrupt sleep, and increase exhaustion, stress, and anxiety. 

Despite growing evidence, critical questions remain. Which MNCH indicators are most closely linked to heat exposure? What are the impacts during specific trimesters? 

Defining heat itself presents challenges. In Sweden, a heatwave is defined as three consecutive days above 25 degrees Celsius. In warmer climates, thresholds may reflect temperatures above the local average, which can already be around 40 degrees Celsius. Moreover, 30 degrees in direct sun can have a greater physiological impact than 40 degrees in the shade. These variations make consistent research and comparison difficult. 

One of the most concerning findings discussed at the meeting was the imbalance in research. Sixty-three percent of available studies come from high-income countries and temperate climate zones, while only 3% come from low-income countries (2). This gap risks masking the scale of the problem in settings where temperatures and humidity are often higher and mitigation options are limited. More context-specific research is urgently needed to understand the full burden. 

Why should midwives care? 

Midwives are embedded in the communities they serve. They see first-hand how climate change affects women and newborns. They provide clear, equitable risk information and support women to reduce exposure to extreme heat. They are also among the first health professionals to respond during climate-related emergencies. 

Through continuity of care and trusted relationships, midwives help women identify risks early and take practical steps to stay safe. In doing so, they strengthen preparedness at household and community level. 

Extreme heat also affects midwives themselves. Evidence shows that the quality of care provided by healthcare workers can decline during periods of extreme heat (3). Health professionals report exhaustion, irritability, and reduced pace. During the meeting, one participant rightly asked why professional athletes receive additional breaks during heatwaves while health workers often do not. The discussion underscored the need for coordinated advocacy to protect the health workforce from heat-related harm. 

To better understand what midwives are witnessing in their communities and how they are responding, read ICM’s report, Interlocked: Midwives And Climate Change. 

Practical adaptation interventions 

Less than 5% of global climate adaptation spending is directed toward health. A global survey among WHO member states found that while 80% of countries mention heat in national health adaptation plans, only 30% include concrete actions. Just 2% of these plans explicitly mention actions on MNCH. 

The final day of the meeting focused on implementation. Examples from Zimbabwe highlighted practical adaptation measures within the MNCH sector, including painting facility roofs to reduce indoor temperatures, relocating maternal and newborn services to cooler areas of buildings, planting trees around facilities, and drawing on indigenous knowledge to stay cool. 

Participants also discussed the MotherHeat Alert app (4), an early warning mobile application that notifies pregnant and postpartum women and maternity care health workers about rising temperatures and provides guidance on staying safe. Innovations such as this translate national early warning systems into practical, actionable information at community level. 

Our Commitment 

ICM is committed to contributing to this system-wide approach. We will continue to translate global evidence on the impact of heat on MNCH and integrate it into our training modules. We will support our Midwives’ Associations to engage actively in national and global discussions on climate adaptation and heat-related health risks. 

Strong Midwives’ Associations and a strong professional voice are essential. Many associations have limited influence in policy processes and lack the resources required for effective advocacy and resource mobilisation. In many contexts, representatives work on a voluntary basis, without paid staff or dedicated office space. Strengthening their capacity is therefore critical. 

Climate adaptation must also reflect the voices of women and communities. Women are often described as vulnerable, yet they demonstrate strength and resourcefulness in navigating complex and challenging environments. Policies must recognise both risk and agency. 

ICM will continue to promote midwifery models of care as a contribution to low-carbon, climate-resilient health systems. These models support continuity of care and help ensure essential maternal and newborn services remain accessible during periods of extreme heat and other climate-related shocks. 

References 

1. World Health Organization (2023): Factsheet Climate Change and Health. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health. 
2. Lakhoo, D.P., Brink, N., Radebe, L. et al. (2025) A systematic review and meta-analysis of heat exposure impacts on maternal, fetal and neonatal health. Nature Medicine, vol. 31, pp. 684–694, doi:10.1038/s41591-024-03395-8. 
3. Wibowo, R., Satow, M., Quartucci, C., Weinmann, T., Koller, D., Daanen, H.A.M., Nowak, D., Bose-O Reilly, S. and Rakete, S. (2025) Impact of heat stress and protective clothing on healthcare workers: health, performance, and well-being in hospital settings, Annals of Work Exposures and Health, vol. 69, no. 6, pp. 665–675, doi:10.1093/annweh/wxaf026.
4. High Horizons (2026) MotherHeat Alert, an early warning system mobile app. Available from: https://www.high-horizons.eu/early-warning-system/