Hot weather, maternal health, and pregnancy experiences, impacts and responses: A systematic review of global qualitative research

Abstract

Problem Extreme heat exposure is a major global public health threat that is affecting people across the life course, including the pregnancy period. Background Studies have linked extreme heat with adverse pregnancy and newborn health outcomes globally. Objective The review aimed to: (1) investigate the health symptoms and pregnancy experiences and impacts associated with extreme heat, and (2) document adaptation strategies employed in pregnancy and factors impeding adaptive capacities in varying socio-economic and cultural contexts. Methods The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines for qualitative systematic reviews. We searched databases such as EBSCO Medline, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and Informit. Data were extracted using an inductive approach, where similar codes were placed into larger themes. Findings Three themes: heat-related health impacts, adaptation strategies, and mediating environmental, cultural, and socio-economic factors were constructed. Extreme heat had a pronounced impact on maternal health. Studies provided only a few details on adaptation to extreme heat, with half of the literature focused on African contexts. Discussion Environmental, cultural and socio-economic factors were crucial in mediating the exposure and management of heat. Findings underscored the need for culturally sensitive, context-specific public health interventions that address both the immediate and long-term needs of pregnant people during hot weather. Conclusion Greater awareness-raising and education are required at the health practitioner and community level to reduce any health risks in a changing climate. Future research should focus on capturing the heat-related lived experiences of pregnant people, which will enable the implementation of contextual solutions.