Extreme Heat: A Guide for Midwives

Background

Extreme heat is an escalating global threat to sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged, placing pregnant and postpartum women and newborns at increased risk. Extreme heat can also affect the wellbeing and performance of midwives and other health professionals, as well as the safety and resilience of health facilities.

Midwives are well placed to respond. Working across homes, communities and health facilities, they can help women and families understand the risks, recognise heat-related illness early and take practical steps to stay safe.

Extreme Heat: A Guide for Midwives connects emerging evidence with everyday midwifery practice. It provides practical, evidence-based and adaptable actions to help midwives continue providing safe, quality care in a warming world.

What you will find in the guide

The guide explores:

• The effects of extreme heat during pregnancy, labour and birth
• Risks during the postnatal and newborn periods
• The impact of heat on lactation, perinatal mental health and gender-based violence
• The combined risks of extreme heat, air pollution and wildfire smoke
• How extreme heat affects midwives, other health professionals and health facilities
• The social, economic and health factors that can increase vulnerability
• Practical adaptation actions for midwives, families, facilities, policymakers and Midwives’ Associations
• Quick-reference tables for recognising, preventing and responding to dehydration, overheating and heat-related illness