Public Health Impact of Heat Waves and Urban Air Pollution on Gynecological Disorders and Maternal-Fetal Outcomes: A Radiological Assessment

Abstract

Background: Climate change, heat waves and urban air pollution are increasingly recognized as major environmental threats to women’s reproductive health. These environmental stressors may contribute to gynecological disorders and adverse maternal-fetal outcomes through physiological, hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms. Radiological imaging provides an important diagnostic approach for assessing reproductive and pregnancy-related complications associated with environmental exposure.

Objective: To assess the public health impact of heat waves and urban air pollution on gynecological disorders and maternal-fetal outcomes using radiological assessment.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gynae department of JPMC and its radiology center. Women presenting with gynecological disorders and pregnant women attending obstetric clinics was included. Demographic information, environmental exposure history, clinical findings and radiological investigations including pelvic ultrasound and obstetric ultrasonography has been recorded. Environmental exposure variables such as heat wave frequency and air pollution indices has been analyzed in relation to gynecological and maternal-fetal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and associations between environmental factors and health outcomes has been evaluated.

Results The study demonstrate a significant association between exposure to heat waves and urban air pollution with increased gynecological disorders, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and abnormal radiological findings. Heat exposure and air pollutants linked with fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, placental abnormalities and reproductive health disturbances.

Conclusion: This study provided important public health evidence regarding the reproductive health effects of climate-related environmental exposure. The findings support the development of preventive public health policies, environmental health interventions and improved radiological screening strategies for women at risk.