The 'living' nature of the review ensures that it will incorporate new findings in this evolving field of study.

Led by researchers from the Planetary Health Research Division at Wits University, the study emphasizes the urgent need for health-focused climate policies as global temperatures rise.

Wits Planetary Health Research focuses on studies at the intersection of human health and environmental changes, advocating for vulnerable populations affected by climate change.

A systematic review published on November 5, 2024, in Nature Medicine assesses the impact of heat on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health, analyzing 198 studies across 66 countries.

The study reveals that each 1°C increase in heat exposure raises the odds of preterm birth by 4%, with a significant 26% increase during heat waves.

Increased heat exposure is also linked to higher risks of gestational diabetes, stillbirths, congenital anomalies, and various obstetric complications.

This review synthesizes existing literature to quantify risks associated with heat exposure during pregnancy and is designed as a 'living' document for updates every 18 to 24 months.

Dr. Darshnika Lakhoo, the lead author, calls for urgent public health and climate action to protect vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and newborns.

She highlights the importance of prioritizing the health of pregnant women and newborns in climate change responses, aiming for these findings to influence policy change.

The findings aim to influence policy changes to better support at-risk groups in the face of climate change.

Professor Matthew Chersich emphasizes that the health risks of heat exposure for pregnant women and infants are often underestimated.

Despite the significant findings, limited research exists on the effects of heat on antenatal bleeding and cesarean section risks, which may also contribute to health complications.