For pregnant people, extreme heat comes with extra risks

For pregnant people, extreme heat comes with extra risks Being pregnant changes many of the processes that allow the body to stay cool during extreme heat. It increases the risk of dehydration, makes the heart work harder, speeds up breathing and even influences the psychological experience of feeling heat. It’s a problem that climate change, caused by the burning of fuels like gasoline and coal, is worsening. Intensifying extreme heat events, high temperatures well into the night and shattering weather records means more exposure for pregnant people, particularly in developing countries. Scientists say that pregnant people should be educated on their risk and be vigilant about their exposure, not just for their own health but for their baby’s, too.