Extreme heat is becoming a growing public health challenge as climate change drives more frequent, longer, and more severe heat waves across the country. In recent years, heat-related death rates have risen in the United States, raising awareness of the potentially severe health implications of this type of extreme weather event. These record-setting events are reminders that no community is immune to the impacts of a warming climate.
Among the most vulnerable to extreme heat are pregnant people and their babies. Research shows that exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy can increase risks to both mother and child, including heightened chances of preterm birth. These risks highlight the urgent need for tailored awareness and prevention strategies that protect maternal and child health in the face of climate change.
The good news is that heat illness is preventable. Recognizing the dangers of extreme heat and taking protective actions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, and knowing when and where to seek cooler environments, can make a significant difference.
Raising Awareness Through Research and Resources
Heluna Health researchers are working to ensure families and health professionals have the information they need to act.
- Fact sheets for families and practitioners: Heluna Health’s Dr. Jo Kay Ghosh collaborated with the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Children’s Environmental Health Committee to developed a series of fact sheets that highlight how climate change impacts children’s health. Dr. Ghosh, an environmental epidemiologist and expert in risk communication, participated closely in the development of a newly released fact sheet on Extreme Heat and Pregnancy Health. To expand accessibility, Heluna Health’s Dr. Bibiana Martinez led the translation of this fact sheet into Spanish.
- Educational tools and outreach: Dr. Martinez also developed Heluna Health’s own resources and social media infographics in English and Spanish to raise awareness about extreme heat, the health risks it poses, and practical steps to prevent heat illness.
- National recognition: Dr. Martinez was recently named a 2025 GeoCAFE Scholar, joining a national research coordination network supported by the National Science Foundation to advance climate and health science. She also presented her research on factors that influence extreme heat preventive behaviors at the joint 2025 International Society for Environmental Epidemiology/International Society of Exposure Science (ISEE/ISES) conference in Atlanta, sharing findings with scholars from around the world.
- Future insights: This fall, Dr. Celeste Beck, part of the Heluna Health Research and Evaluation team, will present her research on perceptions of extreme heat risks and protective measures at the American Public Health Association’s Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. Dr. Beck’s research will help shape public messaging strategies that encourage uptake of protective behaviors among pregnant people, ultimately supporting healthier outcomes for moms and babies.
Moving Forward
As climate change continues to intensify, researchers at Heluna Health will continue to advance the science of climate and health to develop evidence-informed strategies to protect pregnant people and children from the dangers of extreme heat. This work will require coordinated efforts across science, public health, policy development, and community education. Heluna Health remains committed to advancing this work by ensuring that vital research findings translate into accessible resources, practical guidance, and effective strategies to protect public health.
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