Heatwave: Pregnant women, children require extra protection — Experts

As El Niño-linked heatwaves intensify, maternal and child health experts have urged pregnant women and parents to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their children from the extreme heat.

They explained that pregnant women and young children were particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses because of their physiological needs and limited ability to regulate body temperature.

The experts said excessive heat could increase fluid loss through sweating and raise the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, with potentially serious consequences for pregnant women and developing babies.

They also warned that children could become dehydrated more quickly than adults, particularly when they engage in outdoor activities or remain in poorly ventilated environments for extended periods.

The experts stated this while speaking on extreme heat associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon and protective measures to protect pregnant women and children.

PUNCH Healthwise reports that the Climate Impact Lab has warned that Nigeria could record an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 as an unusually strong El Niño weather pattern intensifies.

The projection places Nigeria among the countries expected to suffer the highest number of additional heat-related deaths globally during the six months, with nearly half of the 66,800 deaths projected across the Sahel region expected to occur in the country.

PUNCH Healthwise reports that amid the heat wave, the country also grapples with power shortages, with many homes lacking adequate cooling options.

The researchers project that global land temperatures will be 1.2 degrees Celsius above normal in the coming months, with 44 per cent more extremely hot days than would typically be expected.

Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Olanrewaju Jimoh, said prolonged exposure to excessive heat could cause hypertension, heat stroke, and hormonal changes in expectant mothers and also expose their unborn babies to the risks.

He advised pregnant women to drink more water to avoid dehydration and associated risks such as stillbirth and preterm birth.

The consultant gynaecologist also advised pregnant women to avoid exposure to hot weather and wear loose and light-coloured clothing.

He listed congenital abnormalities, miscarriages, reduced placental blood flow, premature labour, and low birth weight, among others, as effects of extreme heat on the developing foetus in pregnant women.

“Severe heat stress at any stage—first, second, or third trimester—can trigger miscarriages or stillbirths,” he said.

Jimoh said extreme heat may worsen high blood pressure (gestational hypertension/preeclampsia) and gestational diabetes in pregnant women.

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He said, “Pregnant women should go to the hospital immediately if they experience any of the following warning signs: Body temperature rising to 38.5°C or higher, high fever accompanied by red skin, confusion, fainting, or severe anxiety.

“Also, if they do not urinate for 8 hours or more or notice reduced or absent fetal movements, severe, persistent headache, or visual disturbances, persistent, unmanageable vomiting, sudden fluid leakage or drainage from the vagina, they should seek prompt medical help.”

To reduce the risks, the expert advised pregnant women to drink adequate water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat periods, and stay in cool, well-ventilated spaces.

“They should drink at least 3 to 4 liters of fluid per day, and they should strictly avoid sugary juices, carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and energy drinks. Those with high blood pressure must strictly limit salt. They should eat water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, which help sustain body hydration.

“If going outside is necessary, they should use a large hat or an umbrella. Pregnant women should wear light, breathable cotton clothing and avoid heavy attire, suits, sweaters, or tight synthetic nightwear. They should take showers at least twice daily and use fans or air conditioning continuously,” Jimoh said.

Also speaking, a consultant paediatrician, Dr. Ayodele Renner, said extreme heat can affect children in many ways, urging parents and caregivers to pay attention to excessive thirst in children, particularly under five.

“Extreme heat affects children in various ways. First, the problem is that it increases their rate of insensible body water loss. With extreme temperatures, children can develop what we call heatstroke, in which an individual’s body temperature rises to levels that do not allow normal metabolism to take place.

“When metabolic processes begin to malfunction, children can experience various complications, including loss of consciousness, convulsions, and electrolyte problems, such as high levels of sodium and various other electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to potentially fatal outcomes. This is particularly concerning for children under five, who depend on others for their fluid intake,” he said.

He urged parents and caregivers to invest in cooling systems like air conditioning, rechargeable fans, among others.

“Parents should keep their child or children as cool as possible and invest in a rechargeable fan. It is important for them to be kept cool and well hydrated to prevent the complications of these extreme temperatures.

The child health expert explained that water remains the best option for keeping children hydrated during a heatwave, urging parents to avoid serving them sugary drinks.

“Water is the best option, and one should generally avoid processed drinks and packaged drinks, such as sodas and packaged fruit juice. If one is giving anything sweetened, it is preferable that it should be freshly squeezed juice or cold-pressed juice.

“If one does not have access to that, then water really is the best. Fruits like watermelon are very hydrating and refreshing. When they are consumed cold, they not only offer hydration but also provide some degree of comfort,” he said.

Renner added, “Also, make sure that their clothing is minimal. Now is not the time to overwrap children. Now is the time to keep the child from sweating.”