Extreme heat could increase pregnancy risks, researchers caution

Extreme heat is likely to increase pregnancy risks, according to researchers at Project Heatwave, an initiative seeking to improve research on preventing deaths caused by extreme heat. Pregnant bodies burn more calories, creating additional internal heat. Pregnant bodies also require more water, making pregnant women more susceptible to dehydration. Short-term exposure to heat during pregnancy can increase the risk of maternal health complications, including high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy. Researchers note more research is needed to study the effects of extreme heat on mothers and their babies. (AP News article, 10/23/25)