The influence of war on pregnancy and childbirth in female service members and internally displaced women

Aim: to synthesize existing scientific literature to evaluate the impact of war and military conflict on the course of pregnancy and childbirth among female service members and internally displaced women. Materials and methods. We conducted a descriptive-comparative analysis focused on the reproductive outcomes of female service members and internally displaced women during wartime. The study was based on a systematic review and synthesis of current scientific literature to identify the primary factors through which hostilities influence maternal health. The research utilized methods of searching, comparative analysis, generalization, and synthesis of peer-reviewed data. Results. The analysis indicates that women and children bear a disproportionate burden during armed conflicts. Most maternal and neonatal deaths in war zones are indirect, resulting from untreated diseases, malnutrition, pregnancy complications, and the collapse of healthcare infrastructure. Inadequate or absent antenatal care for internally displaced women is significantly associated with an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. This cohort exhibits higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, alongside an elevated risk of maternal mortality. Due to the destruction of medical facilities and shortages of personnel and essential medications, systemic obstetric assistance is often unavailable. Consequently, some women resort to unskilled birth attendants or remain entirely without medical support. Among Ukrainian female service members, the gynecological pathology profile is dominated by stress-induced disorders and pelvic inflammatory diseases. These conditions are often exacerbated by insufficient awareness regarding the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in field conditions. Conclusions. Military conflict and displacement exert a profoundly negative influence on female reproductive health and obstetric outcomes. Given the increasing number of women in the military and the veteran population, it is crucial to address the unique reproductive health needs of this demographic to improve medical care and long-term quality of life. In combat zones, the rising rate of unassisted births significantly escalates the risk of maternal and neonatal mortality. Priority must be given to organizing specialized medical care in extreme conditions, focusing on systematic pregnancy monitoring, emergency obstetric care, and comprehensive postpartum support.