Photo: independent.co.uk
"Heat Waves Pose Unique Risks for Pregnant Individuals' Health"
Extreme heat waves pose heightened risks to pregnant individuals, affecting their bodys cooling mechanisms and overall health, a situation exacerbated by climate change due to gasoline and coal use.
- Research from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine reveals that extreme heat waves significantly strain the heart and kidneys of pregnant individuals.
- Pregnancy alters the bodys ability to cool itself, making pregnant individuals more susceptible to health complications during record-breaking temperatures linked to climate change.
- In developing countries, the risks associated with heat waves during pregnancy are particularly concerning, as these regions often lack adequate healthcare resources to manage heat-related health issues.
Why It Matters
As climate change intensifies heat waves, understanding their impact on pregnant individuals is crucial for public health. This knowledge can inform policy and healthcare responses to protect vulnerable populations and ensure maternal and fetal health.