Climate Change: Overview of Risks to Pregnant Persons and Their Offspring

Authors

Santosh Pandipati, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrix of San Jose, e-Lōvu Health, United States. Electronic address: santoshpandipati@hotmail.com.Follow
Melanie Leong, Attending Neonatologist, Neonatal ECMO Services, The Regional Neonatal Center of Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, United States; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, United States.
Rupa Basu, Air and Climate Epidemiology Section, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California EPA, United States.
David Abel, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, United States.
Sarena Hayer, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health Sciences University, United States.
Jeanne Conry, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, United States.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151836

Journal Title

Seminars in Perinatology

First Page

151836

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2023

Department

Pediatrics

Abstract

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity. Pregnant persons, their unborn children, and offspring are particularly vulnerable, as evidenced by adverse perinatal outcomes and increased rates of childhood illnesses. Environmental inequities compound the problem of maternal health inequities, and have given rise to the environmental justice movement. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and other major medical societies have worked to heighten awareness and address the deleterious health effects of climate change and toxic environmental exposures. As part of routine prenatal, neonatal, and pediatric care, neonatal-perinatal care providers should incorporate discussions with their patients and families on potential harms and also identify actions to mitigate climate change effects on their health. This article provides clinicians with an overview of how climate change affects their patients, practical guidance in caring for them, and a frame setting of the articles to follow. Clinicians have a critical role to play, and the time to act is now.

Recommended Citation

Pandipati, S., Leong, M., Basu, R., Abel, D., Hayer, S., & Conry, J. (2023). Climate Change: Overview of Risks to Pregnant Persons and Their Offspring. Seminars in Perinatology, 47 (8), 151836. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151836