13/01/2026
🌡️ Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can have harmful health impacts on pregnant women and people.
As summers become hotter and heatwaves intensify across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, emerging evidence highlights the growing impact of extreme heat and bushfire smoke on pregnancy and reproductive health.
Research shows associations with increased risks of preterm birth, stillbirth, subfertility and adverse mental health impacts, with some populations disproportionately affected.
With heatwaves affecting many regions in Australia this week, it’s important that pregnant people:
💧 Stay well hydrated
🏠 Stay indoors and in cooled spaces where possible
🏥 Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of heat stress
🔗 Read more in Dr Ying Gu, Dr Marnie Slonim and Dr Grant Silbert’s article ‘Staying Safe This Summer: Reducing Pregnancy Risks from Extreme Heat and Bushfires’ in the latest O&G Magazine.
https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/27/4-27/pregnancy-risks-extreme-heat-bushfires/