Exposure to extreme cold conditions coupled with rising air pollution significantly increases the risk of preterm births and high blood pressure in expectant mothers, which can adversely affect a baby’s growth, doctors have warned.
North India continues to reel under an intense cold wave, with maximum temperatures in several areas plunging nearly 10 degrees Celsius below normal, aggravating health risks, especially for pregnant women.
Dr Anita Sabherwal, gynaecologist and senior consultant at the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, said pregnancy makes women more prone to dry skin, nasal stuffiness and altered immunity, and cold weather further worsens these problems. “It also makes them more vulnerable to viral infections,” she said.
She explained that winter often leads to reduced water intake due to lack of thirst, less physical activity because of cold weather and heavy clothing, and increased fatigue. “All this leads to easy tiredness, joint and muscle stiffness, body pains and constipation,” Dr Sabherwal said.
With pollution levels rising in winter, cases of breathing difficulty and bronchitis also increase. “Studies have reported a higher risk of preterm births and low birth weight babies due to high air pollution,” she added.
Dr Sabherwal also cautioned that winter diets rich in traditional sweets, nuts and ghee often lead to excess weight gain and spikes in blood sugar levels. She stressed the importance of maintaining healthy nutrition, proper hydration and suitable exercises during pregnancy for a positive birth outcome.
Medical experts explained that the human body responds to cold by constricting blood vessels to conserve heat. While this is a normal response, pregnancy already puts extra pressure on the circulatory system. “When blood vessels tighten further, blood pressure can rise, increasing the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension and complications such as preeclampsia,” doctors said.
Dr Yashica Gudesar, Director and Unit Head, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, said, “Keeping warm, getting six to eight hours of sleep, following a high-protein diet to support fetal weight gain and taking blood thinner medications as prescribed can help manage these risks.”
Dr Nikita Kumari, senior consultant at the Sitaram Bhartia Institute, said pregnancy during winter brings a unique set of challenges. “While these issues are usually not serious, timely care and simple precautions can go a long way in keeping both mother and baby healthy,” she said.
She advised pregnant women to take the seasonal flu vaccine if recommended, avoid crowded places during peak pollution or flu outbreaks, wear masks in polluted areas, maintain hand hygiene and seek early medical advice for symptoms like fever, persistent cough or breathlessness.
Dr Kumari also highlighted that Vitamin D deficiency is common among Indian women and worsens during winter. “Expectant mothers should get 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight on face and arms, take supplements as prescribed and go for regular antenatal check-ups to detect deficiencies early,” she said.
Research shows that exposure to cold activates stress-related hormonal systems in the body, including the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system, both of which influence blood pressure and can indirectly affect fetal development. Studies have linked prolonged cold exposure during the second and third trimesters to a higher risk of low birth weight babies, while extreme cold during early pregnancy has been associated with preterm births.
Dr Swapnil Agrahari, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Silverstreak Multispeciality Hospital, said, “When placental blood flow is reduced, the baby may not receive adequate nutrition, which can slow growth. This is why maintaining warmth and overall health during winter is especially important for expectant mothers.”
Experts stressed that warning signs such as persistent headaches, swelling or sudden rises in blood pressure should never be ignored. “With proper care, awareness and timely medical guidance, most winter-related pregnancy risks can be managed effectively, ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby,” Dr Agrahari added.
