Mobilising and evaluating existing heat adaptation measures to protect maternal and child health

Empirical research indicates that even brief periods of extreme heat exposure are associated with adverse outcomes related to pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, low birthweight, and stillbirth.1,2 Although the detrimental effects of extreme heat exposure on pregnancy outcomes have emerged as a priority research area, the potential long-term consequences of prenatal heat exposure on health in childhood and adulthood have been overlooked in climate change and health discussions.