A study published in Nature Communications reveals that exposure to floods during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of pregnancy loss, particularly in 33 developing countries. The research analyzed 90,465 pregnancy loss records, cross-referenced with spatial-temporal flood data, and found an odds ratio of 1.08 for pregnancy loss associated with gestational flood exposure. This risk is higher for women outside the peak reproductive age range (<21 or >35) and during mid and late pregnancy. Women dependent on surface water, with lower income or education levels, face even greater risks. The study estimates that flood events may account for approximately 107,888 excess pregnancy losses annually across these countries from 2010 to 2020, with a rising trend observed in Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and South Asia. The findings highlight the growing impact of climate change on maternal and child health, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations. The study also notes that pre-conception flood exposure and prolonged flood durations further increase pregnancy loss risks. The research underscores the importance of understanding flood impacts on pregnancy outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where 89% of flood-exposed populations reside. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind these risks, including the effects of unsafe water sources, poor housing conditions, and socioeconomic factors. The results emphasize the need for improved flood risk mitigation strategies and enhanced resilience in vulnerable communities. The study's findings contribute to the global understanding of the health impacts of climate change, particularly on maternal and child health.A study published in Nature Communications reveals that exposure to floods during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of pregnancy loss, particularly in 33 developing countries. The research analyzed 90,465 pregnancy loss records, cross-referenced with spatial-temporal flood data, and found an odds ratio of 1.08 for pregnancy loss associated with gestational flood exposure. This risk is higher for women outside the peak reproductive age range (<21 or >35) and during mid and late pregnancy. Women dependent on surface water, with lower income or education levels, face even greater risks. The study estimates that flood events may account for approximately 107,888 excess pregnancy losses annually across these countries from 2010 to 2020, with a rising trend observed in Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and South Asia. The findings highlight the growing impact of climate change on maternal and child health, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations. The study also notes that pre-conception flood exposure and prolonged flood durations further increase pregnancy loss risks. The research underscores the importance of understanding flood impacts on pregnancy outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where 89% of flood-exposed populations reside. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind these risks, including the effects of unsafe water sources, poor housing conditions, and socioeconomic factors. The results emphasize the need for improved flood risk mitigation strategies and enhanced resilience in vulnerable communities. The study's findings contribute to the global understanding of the health impacts of climate change, particularly on maternal and child health.