Document Type

Article

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa

Abstract

Background: The escalation of heat waves, attributed to climate change, represents a global public health concern, with pregnant
and lactating women identified as particularly vulnerable due to Physiological and hormonal changes.

Aim: To review the existing research on the effects of heat waves on pregnancy and lactation, identifying potential health risks and outcomes.

Methods: A structured search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted using terms related
to heat waves, pregnancy, lactation, and climate change. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed empirical
studies in English.

Results: Heat waves are linked to increased risks of preterm labor, low birth weight, gestational hypertension, and
preeclampsia in pregnant women, and reduced milk production and altered composition in lactating women.
Vulnerable groups, especially in low-income and heat-prone regions, are disproportionately affected.

Conclusion: Heat waves pose significant risks to pregnant and lactating women, necessitating urgent public health interventions
and policies. Future research should explore long-term effects and effective mitigation strategies.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Uganda Journal of Nursing and Midwifery (UJNM)

DOI

https://ujnm.org/index.php/public-html/article/view/13

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