Extreme heat is linked to pregnancy complications, including stillbirths and miscarriages — and the risk is growing

Rising temperatures are putting those who are pregnant at higher risk.

The Association of American Medical Colleges says climate change "hurts women more" West Nile , Oropouche and Dengue viruses all pose a risk to pregnant women.

The South and Southeast U.S. see the most mosquito days , with more mosquito days .

A 2020 systematic review of dozens of studies found a "statistically significant association" between heat, air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Heat is also associated with a higher rate of violent crime and homicide, one of the leading causes of death of pregnant women in the U.S. Black women face a "substantially higher risk" of being killed, Harvard researchers found.

"Environmental exposures, including those related to climate change, have a disproportionate effect on women's health and further exacerbate health inequities," the organization of health care professionals said, adding that it's "an urgent health care priority that affects everyone." The group signaled that comprehensive climate, health care and infrastructure policy changes are needed to adequately address the issue, including curbing greenhouse gas emissions and more research into the impacts on women's health..