UN climate chief warns extreme heat threatens pregnancy as 73% of surveyed health workers report rising risks

Health worker findings on extreme heat

Maternal health professionals across five continents report a rise in pregnancy complications caused by extreme heat, according to survey results presented on 5 October 2026. The poll, conducted by Wellcome among 1,000 midwives, obstetricians, and maternity staff across Australia, Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe, found that 73% observed an increase in heat-related complications over the past five years. Additionally, 76% of respondents reported rising harm to foetal or newborn health. Nearly all surveyed staff had direct experience with the issue, with 98% reporting they treated a pregnant woman affected by extreme heat, and 99% treating an infant in similar distress. A further 92% stated they require more training and resources to protect expectant mothers during heatwaves.

Physiological hazards and clinical data

The survey accompanied research detailing the physical impacts of rising ambient temperatures on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Medical evidence links prolonged heat exposure with increased rates of congenital abnormalities, stillbirths, preterm births, low birthweight, and maternal hypertension. Research indicates that for every 1°C rise in heat exposure, the probability of preterm birth increases by 4% to 5%, alongside a 7% increase in gestational diabetes cases. Furthermore, exposure to heatwaves raises the risk of obstetric complications by 25%. Health workers noted that extreme heat is a relative condition rather than an absolute threshold, affecting women in temperate regions as well. Around one in four surveyed practitioners observed complications requiring additional monitoring or treatment, while more than a third reported newborn dehydration and restricted growth.

Demands for clinical guidance and policy action

Wellcome called for formal institutional interventions, backing its campaign with £20 million dedicated to research into the biological mechanisms of heat stress and potential mitigations. The foundation is pressing the World Health Organization to issue its first clinical guidance regarding heat exposure during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The organization also urged national governments to incorporate maternal protection into climate adaptation plans, health budgets, and early-warning systems. Julia Gillard, the chair of Wellcome and former prime minister of Australia, demanded immediate policy responses.

Pregnant women must not be invisible as temperatures rise across the globe due to our changing climate. Leaders have the evidence they need -- now they must act.

Pre-COP31 summit opens in Fiji

The survey release coincided with the opening of the Pre-COP31 conference in Fiji, co-hosted by Fiji, Tuvalu, and Australia from 5 October to 8 October 2026. The preparatory summit precedes the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, scheduled for 9 November to 20 November 2026. Speaking on the opening day, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell noted that vulnerable households lacking electricity, running water, or cooling face the highest risk.

The picture is clear and deeply worrying: as extreme heat worsens, pregnancy and childbirth have become a new frontline in the global climate crisis, a potentially deadly one. This fault line must not turn into another deep chasm of climate-driven suffering, inequality and injustice.

Stiell added that climate change must not be used to justify reduced safety for pregnancy and childbirth. The Fiji meeting concludes on Thursday ahead of the Antalya negotiations.