The Changing Climate and Pregnancy Health

Abstract

Purpose of Review Climate change is the biggest public health threat of the twenty-first century but its impact on the perinatal period has only recently received attention. This review summarizes recent literature regarding the impacts of climate change and related environmental disasters on pregnancy health and provides recommendations to inform future adaptation and mitigation efforts. Recent Findings Accumulating evidence suggests that the changing climate affects pregnancy health directly via discrete environmental disasters (i.e., wildfire, extreme heat, hurricane, flood, and drought), and indirectly through changes in the natural and social environment. Although studies vary greatly in design, analytic methods, and assessment strategies, they generally converge to suggest that climate-related disasters are associated with increased risk of gestational complication, pregnancy loss, restricted fetal growth, low birthweight, preterm birth, and selected delivery/newborn complications. Window(s) of exposure with the highest sensitivity are not clear, but both acute and chronic exposures appear important. Furthermore, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may be more vulnerable. Summary Policy, clinical, and research strategies for adaptation and mitigation should be continued, strengthened, and expanded with cross-disciplinary efforts. Top priorities should include (a) reinforcing and expanding policies to further reduce emission, (b) increasing awareness and education resources for healthcare providers and the public, (c) facilitating access to quality population-based data in low-resource areas, and (d) research efforts to better understand mechanisms of effects, identify susceptible populations and windows of exposure, explore interactive impacts of multiple exposures, and develop novel methods to better quantify pregnancy health impacts.

Code OB: We need urgent action on climate change and toxic chemicals

“…For example, more extreme and frequent wildfires resulting from drought and higher temperatures produce smoke that adversely impacts maternal health conditions and increases risk of adverse birth consequences. 6,7 Climate-related exposures can also increase risks of cancer. 8 Additionally, climate change-induced ecological events, including drought and floods, will lead to greater displacement and violence, disproportionately affecting women's mental health, physical safety, and overall well-being.…”

“…Direct effects include those from extreme heat, flooding, and drought that have been shown to increase risks to maternal and child health. For example, more extreme and frequent wildfires resulting from drought and higher temperatures produce smoke that adversely impacts maternal health conditions and increases risk of adverse birth consequences 6,7 . Climate‐related exposures can also increase risks of cancer 8 .…”

Drought–heatwave nexus in Brazil and related impacts on health and fires: A comprehensive review

“…Drought can affect pregnancy health by limiting water and food availability, disrupting infrastructures, and facilitating the dissemination of water‐related diseases 173 . Studies about the direct impact of extreme droughts on human pregnancy are still limited worldwide 174 . Nevertheless, Gitau et al 175 .…”

Climate change vulnerability, and health of women and children: Evidence from India using district level data

“…Globally, research examining the impact climate change on women's health has documented increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature births, stillbirths, congenital birth defects, and miscarriages, 7–10 disruption in prenatal care, 11,12 limited access to contraceptives and abortion services, 13,14 poor mental health, 15,16 and malnutrition 17,18 . Nevertheless, how climate change impacts the reproductive health of women is still not well documented.…”

“…and miscarriages, [7][8][9][10] disruption in prenatal care, 11,12 limited access to contraceptives and abortion services, 13,14 poor mental health, 15,16 and malnutrition. 17,18 Nevertheless, how climate change impacts the reproductive health of women is still not well documented.…”