As the United States endures a record-breakingly hot summer, concerns about the impact on the health of some communities have come to the fore. Among these populations are pregnant women, who, according to a newly published study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), face considerable health risks due to prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
The Data: Eleven Years, 400,000 Pregnancies, and Alarming Findings
The exhaustive study reviewed data spanning 11 years and covered over 400,000 pregnancies in Southern California. The findings were alarming: exposure to temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above for three or more consecutive days led to a 27% increase in the risk of life-threatening complications such as sepsis, hemorrhage, and clotting disorders.
This new scientific data is particularly poignant considering the present climate conditions millions of Americans are enduring.Earlier this week, 19 states, from Maine to California, issued severe heat warnings. Cities like Dallas may anticipate temperatures of 106 degrees, while Washington, DC, will only reach 96. Already notorious for its scorching summers, Phoenix is predicted to establish a new record in 2020 for the most consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees.
However, this JAMA study doesn't exist in a vacuum; it builds upon a growing body of research that has consistently linked environmental conditions to women's and infants' health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are already at a physiological disadvantage when it comes to heat. They are more vulnerable to heat-related diseases since their systems must cool off both themselves and their growing fetuses.
Additionally, since they are more likely to get dehydrated, pregnant women have a lower body's ability to regulate its core internal temperature, known as thermoregulation. A 'perfect storm' of circumstances is therefore created, which may result in serious health problems.
Previous investigations support these concerns. For instance, a 2020 study reported in the prestigious magazine Nature calculated that heat exposure may have contributed to roughly 25,000 preterm births a year between 1969 and 1988. According to other studies, high ambient temperatures may cause premature births, and air pollution in particular populations might cause lower birth weights.
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Recognizing and Treating Heat-Related Illnesses
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, an OB/GYN with board certification and ABC News' top medical reporter, offers some simple recommendations. The best course of action if you're expecting is to remain indoors where there's air conditioning during periods of excessive heat, she says. If you must go outside, be proactive by bringing an ice pack, wearing it around your neck or under your armpits, and attempting to spend as little time in the sun as possible.
Dr. Ashton also cautions about the ailments brought on by the heat developing quickly. Heat stroke is a dangerous condition characterized by a body temperature higher than 103 degrees, and other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even a change in mental status. Rapid dehydration follows on the heels of heat exhaustion, which manifests as fatigue, dizziness, lethargy, and nausea.
Finally, as the United States continues to experience high temperatures, the health risks for vulnerable groups like pregnant women are proving to be more severe than ever. An urgent call to action was made by the most recent research published in JAMA, urging politicians, the general public, and healthcare professionals to acknowledge and address the catastrophic implications of climatic conditions on maternal health. During these difficult times, expectant moms should take all essential measures to safeguard themselves and their unborn children.
