Why mothers and babies will suffer more as Africa grows hotter

As Africa gets hotter, mothers and babies are most at risk. Why is this and what can be done about it? Matthew Chersich, a specialist in climate change and maternal health, explains the reasons to health editor Nadine Dreyer.

What makes pregnant women particularly vulnerable to extreme heat?

Many women in Africa have little or no protection against extreme heat events, with pregnancy being an particularly vulnerable period. High ambient temperatures may overwhelm the capacity of the maternal thermoregulatory mechanisms to dissipate heat in pregnancy.

Foetal metabolism generates considerable heat in the mother’s body. Then there is the strain from additional weight gain in pregnancy, fat deposits that retain heat, and the major exertion of labour and childbirth.

The foetus remains around 0.5℃ warmer than the mother and thus if a mother has heat stress or a fever, the foetal temperature quickly reaches dangerous levels.

The most dangerous period