Maternal health experts say the risk of miscarriage, early labour and preterm delivery is heightened during heat waves.
They also said heat waves can cause severe dehydration, tiredness, heat exhaustion and hypotension in pregnant women due to fluid reduction in the body.
The maternal health experts urged pregnant women to avoid walking in the sun, take water intermittently and stay in well-ventilated areas during this period
The United Nations Children’s Fund says heat waves happen when the temperature is higher than usual for several days.
It noted that heat waves can be extremely uncomfortable and pose serious health risks for infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
According to UNICEF, extreme heat can lead to heat stroke and fatalities, noting that heat waves have become more frequent, longer and severe due to climate change.
The Nigerian Metrological Agency predicted that the heat wave would persist for some time.
NiMET predicted that fainting, chickenpox disease, measles, heat rash, weakness of the body, slight fever, dry lips, heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues and increased vulnerability to chronic conditions will be more rampant during periods of extreme heat.
Commenting on the issue, a professor and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, North-central Nigeria, Adegboyega Fawole, said that heat waves have more adverse effects on pregnant women and children than non-pregnant women and adults.
He stated that children have small body surfaces and weight and when exposed to heat waves would suffer dehydration.
