Ep 37. Heatwaves, newborns and pregnancy

Ep 37. Heatwaves, newborns and pregnancy

Heat, Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: What Does the Evidence Really Tell Us?

Pregnancy during a heatwave can be uncomfortable enough but should pregnant people or parents actually be worried about the heat? There is an immune theory regarding this process and given higher temperatures can mimic infection we delve into this area as a call from parents.

In this episode, we discuss mostly the impact on newborn health. We also briefly touch on the research including the Nature Medicine systematic review and meta-analysis examining how heat exposure affects pregnancy health. Bringing together 198 studies from 66 countries the research provides one of the most comprehensive assessments yet of pregnancy and extreme heat. 

In September's 2026 episodes we speak to one of the researchers behind this study directly - so stay tuned

We unpack what scientists actually mean by a heatwave and why there is no single temperature that defines one. We explore whether it is absolute heat or unusually hot weather for a particular location that matters most, and what the findings mean for pregnant women living in temperate countries such as the UK. We explore practical advice for parents for newborns including 1) what to wear 2) strategies in limited environments 3) why the car can be super dangerous 4) why children are more vulnerable 

A conversation about climate, pregnancy and risk and about communicating emerging evidence in a way that helps pregnant women stay informed without making hot weather another source of anxiety.