Climate change is increasingly linked to the risk of pregnancy related complications worldwide due to greater exposure to extreme heat.

A recent analysis by the U.S based group Climate Central examined the levels of heat exposure faced by pregnant women since 2020 and determined the extent to which climate change is responsible.

The study’s findings indicate that heatwave exposure may increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications by 1.25 times.

In the past five years, the number of heat-risk days affecting pregnant women in India has risen by an average of six days annually. Among the most impacted states are Sikkim with 32 such days, Goa with 24, and Kerala with 18. Panaji led the cities in terms of impact, with 39 days, trailed by Thiruvananthapuram at 36 days.

Worldwide, climate change has caused the number of high-risk heat days for pregnant women to at least double in 222 of 247 countries.

Experts emphasize the urgent need for action, including reducing fossil fuel emissions, increasing  urban green spaces, and incorporating pregnancy-specific heat warnings in public health initiatives.