---
title: "UN climate chief warns extreme heat risks pregnancy"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/climate/un-climate-chief-warns-extreme-heat-risks-pregnancy"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/un-climate-chief-warns-extreme-heat-risks-pregnancy"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/climate/un-climate-chief-warns-extreme-heat-risks-pregnancy.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/un-climate-chief-warns-extreme-heat-risks-pregnancy"
category: "Climate"
area: "Africa"
published: "2026-10-05T16:45:38.375Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-05T15:19:59.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-05T16:45:38.375Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-05T18:45:06.722739+00:00"
---

# UN climate chief warns extreme heat risks pregnancy

*Survey of health professionals links rising temperatures to complications for mothers and newborns.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to UN climate chief Simon Stiell and a survey commissioned by Wellcome.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting is clear and holds together, with specific details on survey findings and countries affected.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use strong language like 'Alarming Warning' and 'Increased Danger' but the body is more measured.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Extreme heat during pregnancy is linked to premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and maternal complications, according to UN climate chief Simon Stiell.
- A survey of 1,000 midwives and doctors across five countries found over two-thirds had witnessed heat-related complications in the last five years.
- About a third of survey respondents reported cases of low birth weight, restricted growth, feeding difficulties, or dehydration due to extreme heat.
- Around 33 countries recorded their hottest July on record this year, according to analysis of EU Copernicus climate data.

Extreme heat is posing increasing risks to pregnant women and newborns, UN climate chief Simon Stiell has warned. He cited a survey of 1,000 midwives and doctors in the UK, Australia, India, Brazil, and Zimbabwe, commissioned by the Wellcome Foundation. More than two-thirds of these health professionals reported seeing complications caused by intense heat in the past five years. About a third of respondents noted cases of low birth weight, restricted growth, feeding difficulties, or dehydration resulting from extreme heat.

Stiell stated that rising temperatures mean rising danger in pregnancy, calling pregnancy and birth a new 'fault line' in the global climate crisis. Scientists note that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events. An analysis of data from the European Union's Copernicus climate observatory indicated that approximately 33 countries experienced their hottest July on record this year.

## Disagreement on specific figures

One report stated that each one-degree Celsius rise in temperature contributes to a 5% increase in premature births and a 7% increase in gestational diabetes cases, according to data from a new study. This specific figure was not mentioned in other reports.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the specific figure that each one-degree Celsius rise in temperature contributes to a 5% increase in premature births and a 7% increase in gestational diabetes cases, which was present in one right-rated digest.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 33 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 36% (12)
- Centre: 40% (13)
- Right: 24% (8)

20 of 53 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-05T18:45:06.722739+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-05T19:00:06.454Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports highlighted that pregnant women and newborns are bearing the brunt of global warming but are being forgotten, with campaigners calling for action. Several reports focused on the UN climate chief's warning that pregnancy is a new fault line in the climate crisis, with one mentioning that women with 'no cool place to go' face rising risks. The finding that nearly all maternity workers surveyed had treated patients they believed were harmed by extreme heat was also noted.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports led with the UN climate chief's warning that extreme heat is putting pregnant women and newborns at risk. They frequently cited the survey finding that 73% of maternal healthcare workers had seen heat-linked cases rise in the last five years. The fact that around 33 countries recorded their hottest July on record this year, according to EU Copernicus data, was also a common point.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on the UN's alert that extreme heat threatens the safety of pregnancy and birth. They mentioned that the UN warns extreme heat from climate change increases risks during pregnancy, including premature birth, infant death, low birth weight, and maternal complications. One report noted that high temperatures could increase multiple risks, ranging from premature births to the death of the newborn and congenital malformations.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- low: 1
- mixed: 6
- high: 17
- unknown: 20
- veryHigh: 8

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Global Diaspora News](https://globaldiasporanews.com/el-calor-extremo-amenaza-cada-vez-mas-a-las-mujeres-embarazadas-y-sus-bebes) — Extreme Heat Increasingly Threatens Pregnant Women and Their Babies
- [Leadership](https://leadership.ng/extreme-heat-threatens-pregnant-women-newborns-un) — Extreme Heat Threatens Pregnant Women, Newborns – UN
- [NationofChange](https://nationofchange.org/2026/10/05/climate-change-is-becoming-a-pregnancy-hazard-worldwide-survey-finds) — Climate Change Is Becoming a Pregnancy Hazard Worldwide, Survey Finds
- [Euronews](https://euronews.com/2026/10/05/extreme-heat-is-raising-risks-for-mothers-and-babies-but-experts-say-cooling-solutions-alr) — How extreme heat is putting mothers and newborns at risk
- [Liner.hu](https://liner.hu/szelsoseges-hoseg-terhesseg-veszely-ensz-klimavaltozas) — Pregnant Women and Newborns Received Worrying Information From the UN
- [CBS News](https://cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-extreme-heat-births-jeopardy-un-extreme-heat) — Extreme heat putting births in jeopardy, U.N. climate chief warns
- [focoinformativo.site](https://focoinformativo.site/onu-alerta-que-el-calor-extremo-pone-en-riesgo-los-embarazos) — UN Warns that Extreme Heat Puts Pregnancies at Risk - Information Focus
- [Freedom Online](https://freedomonline.com.ng/extreme-heat-threatens-pregnancy-and-newborn-health-un-climate-chief-warns) — Extreme Heat Threatens Pregnancy and Newborn Health, UN Climate Chief Warns
- [IndexHR](https://index.hr/vijesti/clanak/ekstremne-vrucine-povecavaju-rizike-u-trudnoci-upozorava-un/2842125.aspx) — The UN Warns of Heatstroke During Pregnancy. The Risk of Complications Increases
- [madhyamamonline.com](https://madhyamamonline.com/lifestyle/health/extreme-heat-increasingly-affecting-pregnant-women-newborns-1560689) — Extreme heat increasingly affecting pregnant women, newborns, survey finds
- [Haibunda](https://haibunda.com/kehamilan/20261005131458-49-398519/cuaca-panas-ekstrem-pakar-ungkap-risiko-kesehatan-yang-mengintai-ibu-hamil) — Experts Reveal Health Risks for Pregnant Women Due to Extreme Heat
- [nin.rs](https://nin.rs/magazin/vesti/125025/ekstremne-vrucine-u-trudnoci-un-upozorava-na-rizike-za-trudnice-i-bebe) — From Premature Birth to Low Birth Weight: the UN Warns of the Risks of Extreme Heat During Pregnancy
- [P.M. News Nigeria](https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/10/05/extreme-%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0heat-threatens-pregna) — Extreme ​‌​heat threatens pregnancy, birth safety — UN official
- [udgtv](https://udgtv.com/noticias/calor-extremo-pone-en-riesgo-los-embarazos-y-los-partos/333517) — The UN Warns that Extreme Heat Puts Pregnancy and Childbirth at Risk
- [Observador](https://observador.pt/2026/10/05/calor-extremo-ameaca-seguranca-da-gravidez-e-do-parto-alerta-a-onu) — Extreme Heat Threats Safety of Pregnancy and Birth, UN Alert
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/health/pregnancy-stillbirth-heatwave-climate-change-cop-b3060938.html) — Pregnant women exposed to heatwaves 25% more likely to suffer complications
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/health/pregnancy-stillbirth-heatwave-climate-change-cop-b3060938.html) — Pregnant women exposed to heatwaves 25% more likely to suffer complications
- [News Wire](https://newswire.lk/2026/10/05/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-un-climate-chief) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
- [efeverde.com](https://efeverde.com/el-calor-extremo-amenaza-la-seguridad-del-embarazo-y-el-parto-advierte-la-onu) — Extreme Heat Threatens the Safety of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Warns the UN
- [Morgan County Citizen](https://morgancountycitizen.com/news/national/intense-heat-puts-births-in-jeopardy-un-tells-fiji-talks/article_b39559bd-3b33-5f41-b8c3-8e0238eb5288.html) — Intense heat puts births in jeopardy, UN tells Fiji talks
- [Punch Newspapers](https://punchng.com/extreme-heat-threatens-pregnancy-birth-safety-un-official) — Extreme heat threatens pregnancy, birth safety — UN official
- [allAfrica](https://allafrica.com/stories/202610050152.html) — Africa: Climate Change Is Becoming a Pregnancy Hazard Worldwide, Survey Finds
- [Eco-Business](https://eco-business.com/news/pregnant-women-with-no-cool-place-to-go-face-rising-heat-risks-un-climate-chief-warns) — Pregnant women with 'no cool place to go' face rising heat risks, UN c
- [Hola News](https://holanews.com/el-calor-extremo-amenaza-la-seguridad-del-embarazo-y-el-parto-advierte-la-onu) — Extreme Heat Threatens the Safety of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Warns the UN
- [Liberation](https://liberation.fr/environnement/climat/prematures-bebes-mort-nes-malformations-lonu-climat-alerte-sur-le-danger-accru-des-chaleurs-extremes-pour-les-femmes-enceintes-20261005_CAMRCBGN3BCZVMNEWVJPKWIEXY) — Prematures, Stillborn Babies, malformations...: UN Climate Alerts About the "Increased Danger" of Extreme Heats for Pregnant Women
- [Ada Derana](https://adaderana.lk/news/cmuuvurdc000h356q0udxzom6) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
- [cedarnews.net](https://cedarnews.net/francais/1030804/naissances-prematurees-deces-nouveau-ne-malformations-congenitales-chef) — Premature Births, Death of Newborns, Congenital Malformations: UN Climate Leader Warns About the "Increased Danger" of Extreme Heats for Pregnant Women
- [franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/environnement/crise-climatique/naissances-prematurees-deces-du-nouveau-ne-malformations-congenitales-le-chef-de-l-onu-climat-alerte-sur-le-danger-accru-des-chaleurs-extremes-pour-les-femmes-enceintes_8222953.html) — Premature Births, Death of the Newborn, malformations... Extreme Heat Increases the Risk During Pregnancy, Warns the Head of UN Climate
- [Channels Television](https://channelstv.com/2026/10/05/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-un-warns) — Extreme Heat Putting Pregnant Women, Newborns At Risk, UN Warns
- [TF1 INFO](https://tf1info.fr/sante/une-source-d-angoisse-l-onu-alerte-sur-le-danger-accru-des-chaleurs-extremes-pour-les-femmes-enceintes-2468030.html) — "A Source of Anxiety": UN Warns About the "Increased Danger" of Extreme Heats for Pregnant Women
- [srpskainfo.com](https://zdravlje.srpskainfo.com/zdravlje-prije-svega/alarmantno-upozorenje-iz-un-ekstremne-vrucine-izazivaju-teske-komplikacije-kod-trudnica-i-prijevremene-porodjaje) — ALARMING WARNING FROM UN Extreme Heat Causes Severe Complications in Pregnant Women and Premature Births
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/3061664/calor-extremo-ameaca-seguranca-da-gravidez-e-do-parto-diz-onu) — Extreme Heat Threatens the Safety of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Says UN
- [nicematin.com](https://nicematin.com/sante/naissances-prematurees-deces-du-nouveau-ne-malformations-congenitales-le-chef-de-l-onu-climat-alerte-sur-le-danger-accru-des-chaleurs-extremes-pour-les-femmes-enceintes-10735212) — Premature Births, Death of Newborns, Congenital Malformations: UN Head Climate Warns About the "Increased Danger" of Extreme Heats for Pregnant Women
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/externe/seful-comisiei-onu-pentru-schimbari-climatice-avertizeaza-asupra-pericolului-crescut-al-caldurii-extreme-pentru-femeile-insarcinate-23819102) — Head of UN Climate Change Commission Warns of Increased Danger of Extreme Heat for Pregnant Women
- [IPS](https://ipsnews.net/2026/10/climate-change-is-becoming-a-pregnancy-hazard-worldwide-survey-finds) — Climate Change Is Becoming a Pregnancy Hazard Worldwide, Survey Finds
- [TVN](https://tvn-2.com/mundo/calor-extremo-pone-riesgo-mujeres_1_2264314.html) — Extreme Heat Puts Pregnant Women and Newborns at Risk
- [Le Figaro](https://lefigaro.fr/demain/sante/le-chef-de-l-onu-climat-alerte-sur-le-danger-accru-des-chaleurs-extremes-pour-les-femmes-enceintes-20261005) — UN Head Climate Warns About the "Increased Danger" of Extreme Heats for Pregnant Women
- [The Japan Times](https://japantimes.co.jp/environment/2026/10/05/climate-change/heat-pregnant-women-babies-risk) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women and newborns at risk, U.N. says
- [Hindustan Times](https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-says-un-climate-chief-101791163937974.html) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk, says UN climate chief
- [AlKhaleej Today](https://alkhaleejtoday.co/international/5865537/Extreme-heat-puts-pregnant-women-and-newborns-at-growing-risk-UN-climate-chief-warns.html) — Extreme Heat Puts Pregnant Women and Newborns at Growing Risk, UN Climate Chief Warnings
- [thairath.co.th](https://thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2964123) — Heatwave Causes Problems: UN Warns Pregnant Women and Babies Are at Risk of Premature Birth or Death.
- [Malay Mail](https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/10/05/extreme-heat-puts-pregnant-women-and-newborns-at-growing-risk-un-climate-chief-warns/237704) — Extreme heat puts pregnant women and newborns at growing risk, UN climate chief warns
- [Arab News](https://arabnews.com/world/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-un-climate-chief-3004637) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
- [EnviroNews Nigeria -](https://environewsnigeria.com/un-climate-chief-warns-extreme-heat-creates-new-faultline-for-pregnancy-maternal-health) — UN Climate chief warns extreme heat creates new faultline for pregnancy, maternal health - EnviroNews - latest environment news, climate change, renewable energy
- [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/world/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-un-climate-chief) — Extreme heat risks for pregnant women and newborns, UN warns
- [Channel News Asia](https://channelnewsasia.com/sustainability/extreme-heat-pregnant-women-newborns-risk-un-climate-6431901) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
- [PressNewsAgency](https://pressnewsagency.org/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-un-climate-chief) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
- [The Korea Times](https://koreatimes.co.kr/world/20261005/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-un-climate-chief) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
- [ABS-CBN](https://abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/10/5/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk-un-climate-chief-0743) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
- [Free Malaysia Today News](https://freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/10/05/extreme-heat-putting-pregnant-women-newborns-at-risk) — Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk
- [www.diariolibre.com](https://diariolibre.com/planeta/cambio-climatico/2026/10/04/calor-extremo-y-embarazo-riesgos-para-la-salud-materna/3678753) — Extreme Heat Threatens the Safety of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Warns the UN
- [La Vanguardia](https://lavanguardia.com/natural/20261004/11650702/calor-extremo-complica-vez-mas-embarazos-medicos.html) — Extreme Heat Increasingly Complicates Pregnancies, According to Doctors
- [Bloomberg](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-04/extreme-heat-poses-growing-threat-to-pregnant-women-and-babies-survey-finds?srnd=phx-green) — Extreme Heat Poses Growing Threat to Pregnant Women and Babies, Survey Finds

## Questions

**What are the main risks of extreme heat during pregnancy?**

Extreme heat during pregnancy is increasingly linked to premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and maternal complications. A survey of health professionals found that about a third of respondents reported seeing cases of low birth weight, restricted growth, feeding difficulties, or dehydration resulting from extreme heat.

**What did the survey of health professionals find?**

A survey of 1,000 midwives and doctors across the UK, Australia, India, Brazil, and Zimbabwe found that more than two-thirds had seen complications caused by intense heat in the past five years. Nearly all respondents reported caring for mothers or babies suffering the effects of extreme heat.

**Which countries recorded their hottest July on record?**

Around 33 countries recorded their hottest July on record this year. These countries spanned from western Europe to the Sahel and central America, according to analysis of data from the European Union's Copernicus climate observatory.

---

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