Marina
Kansas is experiencing significantly more dangerously hot days, and that rise in extreme temperatures is now directly threatening maternal and fetal health.
A recent report by Climate Central, a nonprofit climate advocacy group, has found that pregnant women in Kansas face greater health risks due to increased heat exposure, including preterm births, gestational complications, and even pregnancy loss.
Sharp Rise in Heat-Risk Days in Kansas
Over the past five years, Kansas has averaged 25 pregnancy heat-risk days annually. These are days when temperatures rise above 95.3°F, which is hotter than 95% of recorded days in the state.
This figure represents an increase of 10 additional hot days annually due to climate change, compared to a scenario without global warming.
“It really drove home for me just how intensely climate change is already affecting our health,”
— Kristina Dahl, VP of Science at Climate Central
How Heat Affects Pregnancy Health
Heat exposure can impact all stages of pregnancy:
- First Trimester: Linked to pregnancy loss.
- Second and Third Trimesters: Associated with preterm labor, maternal exhaustion, and heat stroke.
According to Dr. Caitlin Linscheid, OB-GYN at the University of Kansas Health System, extreme heat can be dangerous at any gestational age. She emphasized that maintaining core body temperature is crucial for expecting mothers.
“We don’t want any situation where the core body temperature rises,” she explained.
The Rising Rate of Preterm Births in Kansas
Preterm birth—defined as babies born before 37 weeks of gestation—can lead to long-term health issues such as respiratory distress and developmental delays. Kansas is already seeing a rise in such cases.
| Indicator | Kansas Data | Federal Target |
|---|---|---|
| Average Preterm Birth Rate | 10.5% | 9.4% |
| Higher Rates in Ethnic Communities | Black and Pacific Islander | — |
This trend is especially troubling given the disproportionate impact on Black and brown women, who face elevated risks of preterm birth even when exposed to identical heat levels as white women.
Staying Safe During Kansas Heatwaves
Healthcare providers are encouraging pregnant Kansans to adopt preventive measures during extreme heat events. Some essential strategies include:
- Staying indoors with air conditioning when possible
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding hot yoga or hot tubs
- Taking breaks if working outdoors
- Monitoring symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or nausea
Humidity, even when temperatures are not extremely high, can elevate the risk due to reduced ability of the body to cool through sweating.
Climate Equity and Access to Cooling
Extreme heat doesn’t affect everyone equally. Many families in Kansas, especially those with lower incomes, struggle to afford air conditioning or access climate-controlled environments. This makes them more vulnerable to heat-related complications.
“You find that Black and brown women have a much higher risk of preterm birth even if they’re exposed to the same level of extreme heat,”
— Kristina Dahl
The disparities highlight the need for climate justice and equitable access to resources like cooling centers, community health support, and flexible workplace policies for pregnant workers.
A Growing Global Issue
While Kansas is seeing a notable rise, the report indicates that nearly a third of countries globally now experience an additional month of extreme heat each year compared to a world without climate change.
“We need to be preparing for a future with more extreme heat,” Dahl said.
Building community-level awareness and incorporating heat-related pregnancy risks into medical protocols and public policy is essential moving forward.
Kansas is entering an era where climate change and public health are inseparably linked. With rising temperatures contributing to increasing pregnancy risks, it’s vital for both individuals and public health systems to act.
Through awareness, access to cooling, and equitable healthcare, communities can begin to safeguard maternal and infant health against this growing threat.