Climate Change Poses Serious Risks to Postpartum Mental Health: Experts Urge Action

By Daniel Adaji

Aisha Mohammed’s story is a poignant example of how climate change can impact postpartum mental health.

Her complicated pregnancy and delivery coincided with a period of extreme heat in June 2020, when rainfall was unpredictable.

Despite having two fans, the heat was unbearable, and her husband had to stay up all night fanning her. The experience led to a mental breakdown for both.

According to a recent meta-analysis, 20% of mothers in developing countries suffer from postpartum depression, with a higher incidence during pregnancy and after childbirth. Aisha resides in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

Aisha’s husband narrated their experience to NatureNews; “My wife had a very difficult pregnancy and delivery. The baby was overdue, and she had to undergo a surgery. It was also very hot. We had two fans, but they were not enough. I had to fan her all night and I also became mentally exhausted. She suffered from a mental disorder after giving birth,” he said

He also explained that it was difficult for him to access his baby as his wife would not allow him during her health challenge.

Further, he said because of the bad road due to agents of denudation- flood; drivers they ordered refused to come to their residence to take his wife to the hospital, a situation he said complicated his wife’s health.

“My wife’s mental disorder made it difficult for her to allow me to carry our baby for months. It was a very traumatic period for me that still hurt. She was exposed to extreme heat during the postpartum period, and because of COVID-19 restrictions, we could not go out to source extra income, having already spent over half a million naira on hospital expenses. We had difficulty accessing the hospital because we couldn’t get a vehicle. I remember staying under a very dangerous bridge in Abuja for over three hours to get transportation because my road was already eroded by flood because of excessive rain. The alternative route was also not accessible at night. We were fortunate to get help from someone who lives in our area,” he said.

Climate change is a growing concern for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Climate-related hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires have been linked to certain health problems, including anemia, eclampsia, low birth weight, preterm birth, and even miscarriage.

Studies show that many biological and behavioral changes take place during pregnancy and after birth that predispose women to insect-, food-, and water-related illnesses. Some of these illnesses, which may increase due to climate change, can also threaten maternal and fetal health.

Pregnant and postpartum women can be at increased risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression after natural disasters and extreme weather events.

During pregnancy, women are advised to register and regularly visit certified health facilities for check-ups in the run-up to their delivery. However, bad roads resulting from floods and erosion can make it difficult for pregnant women to visit healthcare facilities in good time.

Climate change can also cause changes in water and air temperature, heavier and longer rains, flooding, and rising sea levels which can introduce pathogens into drinking and recreational waters. Pregnant women are even more at risk of gastrointestinal illness if they come in contact with contaminated water than other adults.

Flooding has been linked with conditions that threaten maternal health, including anemia (low red blood cell counts sometimes caused by low iron intake), preeclampsia (a high blood pressure condition), and eclampsia, which can cause seizures.

The effects of climate change on pregnant women and their newborns can be devastating. Dehydration resulting from extreme heat events can have adverse effects during pregnancy and the health of newborns.

Increases in average and extreme temperatures are expected to lead to more heat illnesses and deaths among vulnerable people, including pregnant women.

Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women may also be members of other groups with specific vulnerabilities to climate change.

For instance, pregnant women from communities of color, low-income groups, and certain immigrant groups may face increased risks to certain climate impacts, less access to care, or higher incidence of chronic medical conditions when compared to other groups.

Trauma from extreme weather events can cause psychological stress, worsen mental illnesses, and add emotional stress for pregnant and postpartum women. One study found that compared to men, women were at increased risk for PTSD and other mental health effects after a disaster.

In addition, extreme weather events can disrupt support networks, behavioral health services, and treatment access—all of which may affect women’s ability to cope.

The World Health Organization, WHO recommends integrating climate considerations with mental health programmes; integrating mental health support with climate action; building upon global commitments; developing community-based approaches to reduce vulnerabilities; and closing the large funding gap that exists for mental health and psychosocial support.

A WHO policy brief highlights the impact of climate change on mental health and well-being. The brief concludes that climate change poses serious risks to mental health and psychosocial well-being, from emotional distress to anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal behavior.

The Organization is therefore urging countries to include mental health support in their response to the climate crisis, citing examples where a few pioneering countries have done this effectively.

According to Susan D. a renowned environmental psychologist, in a report, she examines humans’ knowledge and attitudes about the environment, the effects of climate change on mental health, and issues of social and environmental justice.

According to the document, the changes in our environment, such as gradual changes in temperature or precipitation and more abrupt changes like extreme weather events, can impact our everyday life, perceptions, and experiences.

These changes can affect the way we think and feel, and have a significant impact on our mental health and well-beingshe recommends promptness to address the effects of global climate change on mental health.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends that public health officials and local organizations take several steps to promote mental health, such as:

Involving community members and mental health professionals in climate action planning can provide people with a reassuring sense of control over climate change and encourage communities to address mental health concerns.

Healthcare organizations could increase access to counseling and therapy after floods, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events to increase social support and resources for those affected.

Public health leaders should prepare to direct communities to mental health resources after a stressful event, as people may reach out for help.

According to the CDC, climate change can contribute to short-term and long-term mental health conditions, such as stress, depression, mood disorders, and suicidal behavior.

Some people may be at higher risk for these effects, including those who have other mental illnesses, low-income populations, indigenous populations, farmers, or others who rely on land.