People often do not think about the connection between climate change, pollution, and maternal health. However, exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy, including in the early stages of pregnancy, are associated with premature birth and stillbirth. Also, exposure to poor air quality while pregnant is linked to low birthweight and preterm birth. Poor air quality may also worsen pregnant people’s asthma. If untreated, asthma can cause pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition in pregnancy. This is an emerging research area, and more information is needed to develop meaningful community programs to protect pregnant people and their families.
We are working with maternal health community partners to design and implement community-based research and education initiatives on the topic of environmental exposures and maternal health outcomes. Please reach out to our Executive Director Louise Palmer if you would like to be part of this collaboration: lpalmer@e2i2.org