Editorial: Perinatal mood symptoms and postpartum maternal functioning: Describing the evidence related to effective and ineffective interventions.

Abstract

While we continue to think about ways to support pregnant and postpartum women towards holistic mental health and optimal daily functioning, there is a looming threat (risk factor) on the horizon and its name is the climate crisis (5). In fact, the World Bank recently issued a report estimating that more then 200 million people are likely to be displaced due to climate change/extreme weather events (EWEs) over the next 30 years (27). We also know that women and children are vulnerable subgroups and are disproportionately affected (28). As the climate crisis intensifies, more pregnant and postpartum women will be impacted economically, socially, mentally, and physically. Organizations that assist new mothers, such as Postpartum Support International (PSI) (29), should strongly consider incorporation of climate change effects into their programming. Healthcare providers serving the perinatal population will need to consider environmental factors, including extreme heat, when assessing their patients' mental (and physical) wellness.