Human activities that lead to climate change also affect our health. These health risks are greater for pregnant people and babies. Climate change affects children even before they are born.
Breathing polluted air makes people sick and shortens lifespans. Burning fossil fuel (coal, oil and gas) pollutes the air and increases the temperature. Heat makes air pollution worse.
If you are pregnant, here are ways that can help avoid these problems for yourself and your baby.
Johannes, S., & Sheffield, P. (n.d.). Extreme Heat & Air Pollution: Health Effects on Babies & Pregnant Women. Retrieved August 10, 2026, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/extreme-heat-and-air-pollution-health-effects-on-babies-and-pregnant-people.aspx