The consequences of global warming are affecting all of humanity, including those who wish to have children. Indeed, climate change affects pregnant women , who face premature births with the consequent risk to the baby's health. Motherhood in times of drastic climate change has become a growing concern for health and environmental experts. To delve deeper into these concerns, it is essential to understand how climate change and pregnant women are interconnected.
In vulnerable regions like Nicaragua and the Caribbean, World Bank climate experts say temperatures will rise by an average of 4 degrees. This will bring more droughts and an 80% increase in the incidence of tropical cyclones, while glaciers will continue to disappear, generating a knock-on effect on the ecosystem and public health.
A recent study titled "Weather Shocks and Health at Birth in Colombia" revealed that the health of this group would be significantly affected. The findings indicate that the longer a heat wave lasts, the greater the likelihood of premature birth. Although the effects are not currently alarming, reducing the probability of a natural birth by 0.5% and the probability of a healthy birth by 0.4%, the study warns that if temperatures continue to rise, there will be more heat waves, and therefore, the health risks for both mother and child are likely to increase.
Impacts on the health of pregnant women
To have healthy offspring, it is crucial to be able to cope with climate change, and this implies having sufficient economic resources to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. The emotional health of pregnant women is also a determining factor. If they suffer from stress or depression , this can negatively impact fetal development. A study in Kenya showed that a 1-millimeter annual reduction in rainfall leads to a 0.9% increase in the stress hormone cortisol. If this stress level remains elevated for days or weeks, the likelihood of the mother developing illnesses increases considerably.
To protect the health of mothers and children, it is imperative to support both increased investment in public health for pregnancy control and improved access to food , especially for low-income families. Without this, the cycle of poverty and poor health can become a vicious cycle. It is vital to understand that these two factors are intrinsically linked, which requires attention.
Heat waves and risks during pregnancy
The effects of heat waves on pregnant women are alarming. Exposure to extreme temperatures not only directly affects their health but also that of the fetus. Pregnant bodies produce more heat due to fetal and placental metabolism, which increases body mass and the need for physical energy. In situations of prolonged heat, this can lead to complications during pregnancy, premature births, and even fetal death.
Studies indicate that an increase in ambient temperature can raise rates of premature births and related health complications. One of the most prominent studies reviewed more than 57 investigations into the relationship between high temperatures and the health of pregnant women, concluding that extreme heat can increase the risk of premature births by up to 21% and the risk of fetal and neonatal death by 6%.
These conditions are particularly concerning in low- and middle-income countries where many women continue to work in difficult conditions during pregnancy. According to the World Bank, women represent 45% of the global agricultural workforce . This reality exposes millions of pregnant women to dangerous outdoor workdays due to high temperatures. Climate instability puts women's health at risk, making these issues essential to address.
Proliferation of infectious diseases
Climate change is also linked to the proliferation of infectious diseases , which pose a greater risk to pregnant women. Climatic conditions such as heavy rains, hurricanes, and droughts favor the proliferation of vectors like mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Each of these viruses has devastating effects on maternal and child health.
Studies have shown that pregnant women with dengue fever are three times more likely to die than those without the disease. This infection can lead to severe complications, especially during the first days of recovery. The most severe form of this disease, dengue hemorrhagic fever, can increase the risk of maternal death up to 450 times.
Furthermore, Zika has been linked to birth defects , such as microcephaly, which is associated with brain damage in newborns. A 2016 study in Brazil found that of 117 live births to 116 women who tested positive for the Zika virus, 42% had brain damage, demonstrating the impact of climate change on public health. These are critical issues that we must address.
Water pollution and risk of hepatitis E
Climate change also affects the quality of drinking water, as rising sea levels, cyclones, and storms can contaminate freshwater sources with saltwater. This affects all people who depend on these sources, but pregnant women in developing countries face additional risks. Studies have shown hepatitis E fatality rates in pregnant women are ten times higher than in the general population, highlighting the need for health surveillance.
Hepatitis E, which is generally spread through contaminated water , can have fatal consequences. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, especially in the second and third trimesters, where case fatality rates can reach 20-25% during outbreaks. The relationship between maternal metabolism and infections can further complicate health during pregnancy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has forcefully pointed out that climate change has devastating effects on pregnant women, newborns, and children. A collection of articles from the Journal of Global Health has shown that pregnant women face a high risk of complications due to exposure to extreme weather events, such as heat waves, floods, and air pollution.
Experts like Bruce Aylward of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warn of the gravity of the situation, urging urgent action to protect the health of these vulnerable groups. Integrating maternal and child health into national climate change response plans is imperative to mitigate the risks and hazards arising from this environmental crisis.
Addressing risk factors such as air quality regulation and access to healthcare is essential to ensuring a healthy future for new generations. Pregnant women require a healthy environment that supports not only their own health but also that of their children.
Recommendations for pregnant women and families
The situation is complex and the challenges are multiple, but there are recommendations that can help mitigate the risks associated with climate change for pregnant women:
- Maintain rigorous medical monitoring during pregnancy, attending all scheduled appointments.
- Develop an emergency plan that addresses potential natural disasters and how to respond during them.
- Use repellents and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, especially in regions where diseases are prevalent.
- Stay well hydrated and have a balance diet that supports the health of both the mother and the fetus.
These recommendations should not only be followed by pregnant women, but are essential for them to become part of the overall public health approach. Only through collective efforts and the implementation of effective policies can we address the risks posed by climate change to the health of future generations.
Protecting maternal and child health in the context of climate change is a global challenge that requires immediate attention from both governments and society as a whole. The climate crisis is already a reality that threatens the future of new generations, and it is our responsibility to act now to ensure a healthy environment for all.
