The Changing Climate and Pregnancy Health
1Department of Public Health, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, 5200 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA, 95343, USA. Sha55@ucmerced.edu.
Current Environmental Health Reports
|February 23, 2022
Summary
Climate change poses significant risks to pregnancy health, increasing complications like preterm birth and low birthweight. Addressing this requires urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect maternal and infant well-being.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Health
- Climate Science
Background:
- Climate change is a major global public health challenge.
- Its impact on the perinatal period is an emerging area of concern.
- Environmental disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on climate change impacts on pregnancy health.
- To summarize evidence on direct and indirect effects of climate-related disasters.
- To provide recommendations for adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Synthesis of evidence on climate-related exposures and pregnancy outcomes.
- Identification of vulnerable populations and critical exposure windows.
Main Results:
- Climate-related disasters are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Outcomes include gestational complications, pregnancy loss, and restricted fetal growth.
- Both acute and chronic exposures are significant, with potential for increased vulnerability in disadvantaged populations.
Conclusions:
- Urgent policy, clinical, and research strategies are needed for adaptation and mitigation.
- Key priorities include emission reduction, enhanced education, improved data access, and further research.
- Cross-disciplinary efforts are essential to address the complex impacts of climate change on perinatal health.
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