Environmental Exposures and Risks During Pregnancy

• Published in: Wilderness & environmental medicine p. 10806032241248626
• Main Authors: Schlein, Sarah M, Reno, Elaine M, Coffey, Christanne H, Casper, Leslie M, Klein, David A, Claypool, Megan S, Wiitala, Ellen L, Keyes, Linda E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 05.05.2024
• Subjects: guidelines; high altitude; hyperthermia; prenatal; pregnant; women
• ISSN: 1080-6032; 1545-1534
• DOI: 10.1177/10806032241248626

The Women in Wilderness Medicine Research Committee of the Wilderness Medical Society conducted a narrative review to address considerations for pregnant individuals in wilderness environments. There is limited evidence behind many opinion-based recommendations on the safety of various environmental exposures in pregnancy. The authors reviewed the literature for the best available evidence, including observational studies, case series, limited controlled trials, and extrapolation from physiological data, as well as evaluating expert consensus statements. The benefits of exposure to natural environments include better pregnancy outcomes and improved maternal mental and physical health. Risks are similar to nonpregnant individuals with the added risks associated with maternal-fetal physiology in wilderness environments and difficulties of evacuation. This narrative review discusses pregnancy-specific concerns in extreme environments, including high altitude, hypothermia, hyperthermia, lightning strikes, envenomations, and common outdoor exposures.