Extreme heat during pregnancy linked to higher risk of low birth weight in newborns

A new study in BMC Medicine has revealed a troubling link between extreme heat and newborn health. Researchers found that high temperatures during pregnancy raise the risk of low birth weight in babies. The findings highlight an urgent need to address climate impacts on maternal and infant care.

The study examined over 85,000 mother-infant pairs in Pakistan. It discovered that around 18 percent of infants were born underweight. In heat-vulnerable regions like Southern Punjab, northern Sindh, and Baluchistan, the risk of low birth weight rose by as much as 70 percent.

Heat stress during pregnancy can disrupt maternal hydration, reduce placental function, and alter blood flow to the uterus. These changes hinder fetal growth and increase health risks for newborns. The research estimated that up to 13 percent of low birth weight cases were directly tied to above-average temperatures. To tackle the issue, the team developed a heat vulnerability index. This tool aims to guide targeted interventions and resource distribution. The study also calls for stronger public health frameworks that combine climate adaptation with maternal healthcare services. The authors stress the need for further research. Long-term studies could clarify how early heat exposure affects childhood development and adult health.

The findings underscore the immediate threat climate change poses to maternal and neonatal health. Without intervention, rising temperatures could worsen birth outcomes in vulnerable populations. Policymakers and healthcare providers are urged to integrate climate resilience into maternal care programmes.