Join us this week to discuss a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the impact of climate change on pregnant individuals! Delve into the history of climate change awareness, understand its far-reaching effects on our planet, and discover the specific health risks it poses to expectant mothers. We walk through increased risks of heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, food insecurity, and air pollution, and how these challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities. We hope this episode raises awareness for what we can do to protect maternal health in the face of a changing climate!!
Listen to the episode, discuss these questions with friends and family, let us know what you think!
Show Notes:
- History of Climate Change Awareness
- 1938: Rising global temperatures first documented.
- 1958: Dr. Charles Keeling’s study on rising CO2 levels.
- 1985: Discovery of ozone layer hole and historical greenhouse gas levels.
- Effects of Climate Change
- Global Warming: CO2 trapping heat, causing temperature rise.
- Rising Sea Levels & Arctic Ice Shrinkage
- Extreme Weather: Increased flooding and droughts, impacting food supply.
- Impact on Human Health
- Pregnant Individuals: Highlighting disparities and heightened risks.
- Disrupted transportation for prenatal care.
- Heat-related illnesses leading to dehydration, preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant death.
- Increased mosquito and tick-borne illnesses (e.g., Zika, dengue, malaria).
- Waterborne illnesses from flooding affecting pregnancy.
- Food insecurity leading to birth defects and pregnancy complications.
- Increased risk of illnesses like Listeria affecting fetal development.
- Wildfire smoke linked to low birth weight and mental health issues.
- Current Initiatives and Solutions
- Climate Change Risk Zones: Additional funding for maternal health.
- Virtual Healthcare: Ensuring access to care during extreme weather.
- Policy Changes: Advocacy and voting for supportive policies.
Practical Tips for Pregnant Individuals - Natural Disasters: Plan with OBGYN for safe delivery.
- Insect Repellent: Use EPA-approved products.
- Air Quality: Monitor and evacuate if necessary during wildfires.
- Heatwaves: Stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned environments.
- Role of Future OBGYNs
- Educating Patients: Informing about climate change risks.
- Supportive Measures: Integrating climate considerations into practice.
Sources:
A brief history of climate change discoveries. Discover UKRI. (n.d.). https://www.discover.ukri.org/a-brief-history-of-climate-change-discoveries/index.html
Climate change and the health of pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women | US EPA. (n.d.-a). https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-and-health-pregnant-breastfeeding-and-postpartum-women
Climate change and the health of pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women | US EPA. (n.d.-b). https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-and-health-pregnant-breastfeeding-and-postpartum-women
Climate change impacts. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate/climate-change-impacts
Director, S. Nadeau, Associate, Nadeau, S., Director, A., Director, S. Hananel Senior, Hananel, S., Director, S., President, J. Cusick Vice, Cusick, J., President, V., Shepherd Director, M., Shepherd, M., Director, Molof, Director, D., Molof, D., Lutz, M., James, W., Mulholland, R., & Gaspard, P. (2022, April 11). 5 ways to improve maternal health by addressing the Climate Crisis. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/5-ways-improve-maternal-health-addressing-climate-crisis/
Ha, S. (2022, June). The changing climate and pregnancy health. Current environmental health reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9090695/
Like the episode? Send us your thoughts and questions!
Your message has been sent
home 
Leave a comment