Rising heat waves pose increasing risk of preterm births

Extreme heat significantly raises the risk of preterm births, with severe impacts on marginalized communities.

Virginia Gewin reports for Grist. This article is part of a series in partnership with Vox and The 19th.

In short:

Research indicates that high temperatures correlate with increased rates of preterm births, particularly affecting Black mothers.
Global climate change intensifies heat waves, exacerbating maternal health disparities and increasing risks of pregnancy complications.
Systemic racism and inadequate access to healthcare and green spaces amplify these health risks in marginalized communities.

Why this matters:

As climate change worsens, extreme heat will increasingly threaten maternal and fetal health, especially in vulnerable populations. For expectant mothers, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration and increased core body temperature, both of which are stressors that may trigger preterm labor. Babies born prematurely face a higher risk of complications, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term health problems.

grist.org

Rising heat waves pose increasing risk of preterm births

Vietnam's largest city lives with floods as climate change raises the stakes

Climate change’s compounding pressures on rural North Carolina

The zero-bills home: How one family is beating the energy price hikes

States OK solar panels for balconies. Safety guidelines haven't caught up

Australia’s climate chief promises harder line on misinformation

Oatly joins climate journalism campaign

El Nino: A deadly 'postcard from the future'

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.