South Africa is increasingly experiencing extreme heat and heatwaves, especially during spring and summer months.

High temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable — they can pose real health risks to pregnant women and new mothers, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and impacts on pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth or low birth weight.

Pregnancy makes it harder for your body to cool down and increases your risk of heat-related illness compared with people who are not pregnant. This is why simple, proactive steps can make a big difference.

View the complete Heatwave Safety for Expectant and New Mothers in South Africa Leaflet