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Health
UN Climate Chief Warns Heat Threatens Pregnant Women and Newborns
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 05 Oct 2026, 07:47 AM
👁 13
The UN climate chief highlighted that rising temperatures are increasing heat‑related complications among pregnant women and newborns, with 73% of maternal health professionals reporting a rise in such cases over the past five years.
The United Nations climate chief issued a warning that extreme heat poses a growing danger to pregnant women and newborns worldwide. In a statement, he cited recent studies showing a sharp increase in heat‑related complications during pregnancy.
According to data shared by maternal health professionals, 73% of respondents—including those working in India—reported a rise in heat‑linked cases over the last five years. The trend underscores the health risks associated with higher temperatures during critical periods of fetal development.
Heat stress can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, and other adverse outcomes for both mother and child. The climate chief emphasized that vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, need targeted protection and support.
He called on governments and health systems to strengthen heat‑adaptation strategies, including better access to cooling, early warning systems, and public health messaging to safeguard maternal and neonatal health.
According to data shared by maternal health professionals, 73% of respondents—including those working in India—reported a rise in heat‑linked cases over the last five years. The trend underscores the health risks associated with higher temperatures during critical periods of fetal development.
Heat stress can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, and other adverse outcomes for both mother and child. The climate chief emphasized that vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, need targeted protection and support.
He called on governments and health systems to strengthen heat‑adaptation strategies, including better access to cooling, early warning systems, and public health messaging to safeguard maternal and neonatal health.