Effects of Climate Change on Reproductive Health and The Role of The Midwifery
Chapter from the book:
Aydın Doğan,
R.
&
Hüseyinoğlu,
S.
(eds.)
2024.
Current Research on Midwifery and Women's Health.
Synopsis
Climate change is recognized as one of the biggest global health threats of the 21st century. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions cause global temperatures to rise, natural disasters to intensify and ecosystems to deteriorate. This process brings with it many direct and indirect health problems, from respiratory and cardiovascular disorders to food security issues. Vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly are among the most vulnerable to these impacts, and pregnant women in particular are at higher risk of environmental disasters. Exposure to extreme temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and pregnancy complications, while air pollution and toxic chemicals have negative impacts on fertility and fetal health. Forest fires, floods and vector-borne diseases are other important climate change factors that threaten reproductive health. In this context, midwives play a critical role in preventing and managing the adverse health impacts of climate change. The midwife-led model of continuous care supports environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions, while also delivering positive outcomes in women's and newborn health. Through practices such as increasing breastfeeding rates, reducing unnecessary interventions at birth and providing community-based care, midwives have the potential to minimize the environmental impact of health services. In conclusion, the active role of midwives in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies will support both the environmental friendliness of health services and the protection of public health.