Pregnancy in a warming world; the health risks of heat and the case for action in the UK

Climate change is already affecting health in the UK. The 2022 heatwave, which saw temperatures exceed 40°C for the first time and contributed to an estimated 3,000 heat‑associated deaths, demonstrated both the scale of the threat and the country’s limited preparedness. While extreme heat poses risks across the population, the burden falls disproportionately on groups with heightened physiological vulnerability, including pregnant women. 

Evidence linking heat exposure during pregnancy to adverse health outcomes is substantial and growing. Despite this, pregnant women are inconsistently recognised as a vulnerable group across public guidance and departmental frameworks.  

A more coherent and forward‑looking policy approach is needed. Pregnancy‑related heat risks must be systematically embedded within both adverse weather planning and maternity care reform. This report recommends: 

• Establishing a consistent national approach to heat‑health risk for pregnant women 
• Embedding climate resilience within long‑term maternity care policy reform 

With extreme heat events becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged, the implications for maternal and neonatal health are significant. Integrating heat resilience into maternity policy and wider climate adaptation planning is essential to protect pregnant women and ensure UK health systems are prepared for a warming climate.