India, March 22 -- Most heat-exposed workers had urogenital symptoms, which might be associated with pregnancy-related complications

The increasing frequency of heatwaves in tropical countries like India can impact the health of pregnant women. Occupational heat exposure poses, in particular, a threat to the health of working mothers and the foetuses in their wombs, doubling the risk of miscarriages or stillbirths.

A study based in six districts of Tamil Nadu followed pregnant women performing heavy manual work in the informal sector, primarily in agriculture, brick kilns, salt pans and construction. They worked in the scorching heat from 6 am to 5 pm, lacking access to toilets and shade, carrying water bottles because access to safe dr...