This story is part of the series Expecting worse: Giving birth on a planet in crisis, a collaboration between Grist, Vox, and The 19th that investigates how climate change impacts reproductive health — from menstruation to conception to birth.
When Rupa Basu was pregnant with her second child in the summer of 2007, she noticed that her body temperature felt unusually high, despite relatively mild temperatures in Oakland, California. As her due date approached, she began to wonder if there was a biological mechanism at play, especially considering the impact of extreme heat in countries like India and Africa.
Working as a researcher at the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Basu decided to investigate the possible link between higher temperatures and adverse pregnancy outcomes, focusing on preterm births. Despite facing skepticism from colleagues, Basu’s pioneering study in 2010 revealed a clear correlation between elevated temperatures and an increased risk of preterm birth, particularly among Black mothers.
Since then, numerous studies have confirmed the connection between heat waves, air pollution, and preterm birth rates. As the global climate crisis worsens, the number and intensity of heat waves are projected to increase, posing a heightened risk to pregnant individuals around the world.
Research has shown that factors such as dehydration, hormonal changes, and poor blood flow may contribute to the relationship between heat exposure and preterm birth. Additionally, systemic racism and environmental disparities exacerbate the impact of climate change on maternal health in vulnerable communities.
Studies conducted in cities like Chicago and Houston have highlighted stark racial disparities in preterm birth rates following extreme heat events. Communities of color, often located in areas with higher pollution levels and limited green spaces, are disproportionately affected by the combined effects of heat exposure and environmental injustice.
As the evidence continues to mount, researchers like Rupa Basu emphasize the urgent need for policy changes, increased awareness, and targeted interventions to mitigate the risks posed by climate change to maternal and fetal health. By addressing these issues proactively, we can work towards a future where every pregnancy has the best possible chance for a healthy outcome.
