Extreme Heat in Pakistan Linked to Rising Low Birth Weight Risks

A large-scale study in Pakistan has uncovered a troubling link between extreme heat and newborn health. Researchers found that rising temperatures significantly increase the risk of low birth weight in babies. The findings highlight an urgent need for action as climate change intensifies. The study tracked over 85,000 mother-infant pairs across Pakistan. It revealed that up to 13 percent of low birth weight cases were tied to higher-than-average temperatures. In some regions, the risk jumped by as much as 70 percent, pointing to a severe and uneven climate impact.

Southern Punjab, northern Sindh, and Baluchistan emerged as particularly vulnerable areas. These provinces face both socioeconomic challenges and extreme environmental conditions. The research team noted that heat stress during pregnancy can disrupt maternal hydration, placental function, and blood flow to the uterus, all of which harm fetal development.

About 18 percent of infants in the study were born underweight. Without intervention, this figure could rise by 8 to 10 percent by the 2060s under current climate projections. The authors stressed the need for further research into how early heat exposure affects long-term health, from childhood into adulthood.

In response, scientists and policymakers are being urged to adapt maternal and neonatal care programmes. The goal is to integrate climate risks into healthcare planning on a global scale. The study underscores the growing threat of extreme heat to newborn health, particularly in high-risk regions. Researchers are calling for targeted interventions to protect pregnant women and infants as temperatures continue to rise. Without measures to address this issue, the number of low birth weight cases is likely to grow in the coming decades.