Environmental Exposure: Effect on Maternal Morbidity and Mortality and Neonatal Health
Usha Kumari, R. K. Sharma, J R Keshari, Archana Sinha
Abstract
Environmental factors are important causes that impair global pregnancy outcomes and are, importantly, responsible for maternal morbidity and mortality. However, apart from the direct reasons for maternal deaths, mainly obstetric and neonatal complications, such factors are ignored or given less importance. The recent surge in research on the impact of various environmental factors on pregnancy outcomes suggests the need for immediate attention to such factors and device-specific policies to counter the situation. Moreover, the recent coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global warming, and climate change showed a lack of preparedness to counter the impact of such events on maternal survival and safe and successful pregnancy outcomes. In the present review, we have emphasized the specific factors responsible for increased maternal and neonatal deaths and their association with specific environmental factors. Increased attention on maternal healthcare, preparedness to counter sudden environmental challenges and improvement of the conventional requirement for better maternal healthcare access and nutrition at a global level may improve the scenario.