Protecting Pregnant People and Babies From the Health Effects of Climate Change

Abstract

(N Engl J Med. 2022;387:957–959) Among other populations, pregnant people and newborns are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change, notably from wildfires. The smoke from wildfires releases toxic gases, particulate matter, and volatile compounds. These exposures are associated with increased risk for gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth, low birthweight and subsequent lifelong health effects. In addition, social support networks can be disrupted by community displacement from wildfires, leading to poorer health for pregnant and postpartum people and newborns, particularly in marginalized populations.