EBB 383 - Impact of Extreme Weather on Pregnancy with Alicia Race, Climate Resilience Policy Advocate
Evidence Based Birth®Show Notes
From heat waves to winter storms to hurricanes, extreme weather events are increasingly part of everyday life, and learning how they intersect with pregnancy and birth can empower families and birthworkers alike. Alicia Race, a climate resilience policy advocate with the Union of Concerned Scientists, is joining Dr. Rebecca Dekker this week to share how these events—especially during what experts now call "Danger Season"—can impact pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding families.
As we enter 2026, educate yourself now about what scientists consider to be "Danger Season," why extreme heat and extreme cold can be dangerous for pregnant families, and how compounding climate hazards like heat waves, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfire smoke can increase risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, hypertensive disorders, and mental health stress during pregnancy. Alicia also shares real-world examples, research findings, and tools that families and birthworkers can use to stay informed, prepared, and connected.
(02:43) Climate displacement and the idea of "climate refugees" (04:30) What is Danger Season? (07:27) Research linking extreme weather to preterm birth and labor outcomes (08:36) How hurricanes and flooding affect pregnant families (11:29) Birth during disasters: access to care, transportation, and feeding infants (13:55) Extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and air quality risks in pregnancy (18:59) Power outages, utility shutoffs, and climate-related health equity (25:27) Apps and free tools for tracking air quality and heat alerts
Resources Read Alicia's story, What to Expect When You're Expecting During Danger Season: https://blog.ucs.org/alicia-race/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-during-danger-season/ Use the UCS Killer Heat tool: ucs.org/resources/killer-heat-interactive-tool Take a look at the Danger Season Map: dangerseason.ucs.org/ Map your heat risk with the National Weather Service: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/ Check the air quality where you live: airnow.gov/ Learn about air quality and smoke near you: airnow.gov/wildfires/ Read about the potential privatization of weather resources: pbs.org/newshour/politics/as-trump-slashed-weather-agency-his-appointees-have-ties-to-companies-that-stand-to-benefit-from-privatizing-forecasts
For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.
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