Climate Change Hits Pregnant Women
There is abundant evidence that some effects of climate change harm people with preexisting conditions. Under certain circumstances, the entire population is at risk. New research suggests there is also specific harm to pregnant women.
“Climate Central’s new global analysis shows that human-caused climate change has at least doubled the average number of pregnancy heat-risk days (extremely hot days associated with increased risk of preterm birth) in 222 countries from 2020 to 2024.” In the US, the number of heat-related days that put women at risk are nearly the same. The trouble is greater in the Southwest. It goes beyond heat to air pollution and flooding.
The National Environmental Statistics System says there were 5,507,000 pregnancies in 2022. The National Center for Health Statistics has a different number based on a different metric. It shows that there were 3,667,758 births. The number of miscarriages has been put between 750,000 and one million. However, the climate risk appears to be for babies who make it to term.
Widespread Risk
The danger and risk is widespread. “Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy has been linked to higher risks of complications, maternal hospitalizations, and severe maternal morbidity. It’s also associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as stillbirth and preterm birth, which can have lasting health effects on the baby. “
There is no estimate of the cost of treatment, hospitalizations, or days lost to work. Each of these is an important yardstick, and the number is bound to be large.
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