By: Nyima Sillah
Dr. Musa Marena, a gynaecologist has traced the link between extreme heat and challenges faced by pregnant women in the Gambia.
Speaking in an interview with Voice Newspaper on Thursday, Dr. Marena disclosed that among the most vulnerable to extreme heat waves are pregnant women who face unique health challenges as temperatures rise. He says extreme heat affects pregnant women both directly and indirectly. “High temperatures cause the body to lose significant fluids through sweating, which can have serious consequences for both mother and unborn child,” he remarked.
According to him, deforestation has worsened the situation by reducing shade and increasing temperatures. The loss of trees also contributes to decreased rainfall, affecting farming and livestock production, he noted.
“The scarcity of green cover affects food availability and livestock health, reducing protein sources essential for pregnant women and children,” Dr. Marena emphasized.
He further stated that pregnant women also experience greater fatigue during extreme heat because of a naturally higher basal body temperature and metabolic rate. “Their bodies require more energy even at rest,” he said.
Despite these risks, Dr. Marena observes that severe direct health impacts from heat haven’t been widely documented among pregnant women in The Gambia, asserting that many take precautions such as drinking plenty of water, resting in shaded areas, and doing farm work during cooler hours.
However, he pointed out that studies from the Medical Research Council (MRC) in The Gambia showed some links between heat exposure and negative pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, increased blood pressure, and reduced fetal movement.
Dr. Marena advises pregnant women, especially during the hottest months from April to September, to stay hydrated with clean water, avoid strenuous activities, rest in cool or shaded spaces, and eat small, frequent meals.
A pregnant woman anonymously shared how high heat disrupts her daily life saying: “When it’s hot, even a fan doesn’t cool the temperature. It makes it worse and so uncomfortable,” she said, adding that it affects her ability to rest and do household chores.