How Does Pollution Affect Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because of the many changes that take place during pregnancy, as well as the vulnerability of the fetus during the intricate process of in-utero development. Air pollution can harm the health of pregnant women in many ways, such as by increasing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

How does climate change affect pregnancy?

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to many factors. For example, they are more vulnerable to heat-related illness, which can cause preterm birth. They are at risk of injury during extreme weather events, and may be more vulnerable to vector-borne diseases made worse by climate change.

What you can do.

Congress has taken a big step forward to improve Black maternal health by including provisions to improve the health of mothers and their babies in the Build Back Better Act. Among these provisions is one specifically focused on easing the impacts of climate change on Black mothers and babies. Join Moms in telling the Senate to support Black maternal health and pass the Build Back Better Act.

Learn more about how air pollution and climate change affect pregnancy by exploring our resources.

Join us in your state to work to keep air cleaner, and fight climate change.

Resources about Pregnancy