Flood exposure and pregnancy loss in 33 developing countries

This study investigated the association between gestational flood exposure and pregnancy loss in 33 developing countries. Analyzing 90,465 pregnancy loss records, the study found a significant association (odds ratio 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.11), particularly pronounced for women outside peak reproductive age or in later pregnancy stages. The risk was higher for women relying on surface water. An estimated 53,944-148,345 excess pregnancy losses annually were attributed to floods during the 2010s, with a consistent upward trend from 2010-2020. The findings highlight the disproportionate impact of floods on maternal and child health in developing countries.

Cheng He, Yixiang Zhu, Lu Zhou, Jovine Bachwenkizi, Alexandra Schneider, Renjie Chen, Haidong Kan