Economist Podcasts Buns in ovens: heatwaves and maternal health
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Sep 9, 2025 
Rachel Dobbs, an Environment editor, discusses the alarming effects of climate change on pregnant women's health, linking rising temperatures to increased risks for both mothers and babies. Avantika Chilkoti, a Global business correspondent, shares the remarkable turnaround of Marks and Spencer, detailing their recovery from a cyber-attack and sales slumps. The conversation also touches on systemic inequalities in health impacts and innovative urban solutions for traffic congestion in India.
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Heat Raises Pregnancy Risks Now
- Global studies show heat exposure raises preterm birth risk and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- A one-degree rise increases preterm birth odds ~4%, and heatwaves raise them ~26%.
Mechanisms Still Unclear
- Researchers lack clear biological mechanisms linking heat to pregnancy complications.
- Large, complex cohort studies (eg. Pakistan) are underway to track women, exposures and outcomes over years.
Pakistan Cohort's Logistical Challenge
- A Pakistan study will recruit 6,000 pregnant women across urban, rural and desert sites and track them intensively.
- Teams face logistics like early recruitment, transport, chaperones, sensors and placenta collection within 30 minutes of birth.