Extreme heat linked to 26% higher premature birth risk

Extreme heat can raise the chance of premature birth by 26%, studies show. On 21 October 2026, the World Health Organization and three partner agencies set out a worldwide framework to track how heat affects pregnant women, newborns and children. It gives countries ways to spot health risks and prepare their response.

More heatwave days for babies

In 2024, babies under one experienced 389% more heatwave days than in the 1986–2005 comparison period. An estimated 1.5 billion children worldwide are exposed to heatwaves that are becoming more frequent, longer and more severe.

The framework recommends tracking premature births, stillbirths, low birth weight, high blood pressure during pregnancy and child deaths. It also calls for records of visits to health centres during extreme heat and school attendance.

Spotting risks sooner

Countries can compare routine health records with heat data, such as air temperature, to find unusual changes during hot spells and investigate them. The World Health Organization says health facilities should prepare for greater demand and strengthen warnings for pregnant women and their families.

The organisation also urges every country to draw up a heat-health plan suited to its circumstances. Those plans should identify communities at greater risk, strengthen early warnings and trigger action when risks emerge.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com