Dear Colleagues,

The environment can have important effects on the evolution of a pregnancy, in terms of maternal and fetal health. The effects of certain environmental pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and atmospheric pollution, are very well known. We are currently witnessing an increase of data and evidence regarding the effects that other environmental factors may have during pregnancy. These include acoustic pollution, environmental temperature, fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), antibiotics, polybrominated biphenyl, and plastic particles, among others. All these factors may be correlated to preterm birth, low birth weight and fetal death. 
Furthermore, there is evidence that contact with nature may have beneficial effects on the human organism, such as an increase of maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. 
Environmental elements may have important effects on pregnancy, potentially determining the variation of an individual’s development through numerous biological and epigenetic mechanisms. All of this represents one of the most fascinating topics of modern midwifery. The emerging understanding of the importance of environmental factors in relation to the future of an individual may be interpreted in a proactive manner. 
From a health perspective, such a view could render one open to the vast phenotypic plasticity in question. Pregnancy is certainly a window of opportunity, seeing as women are particularly sensitive to their child’s outcome and therefore more inclined and open to changes. Bearing in mind that the environment can influence pregnancy can help one understand how to apply such knowledge to optimally shape mother’s and newborn’s wellbeing. 
There is an urgent need to improve global knowledge in this arena. In this Special Issue, we seek to advance this field by welcoming original, clinical, and basic research articles, as well as meta-analyses and systematic reviews focusing on the relationship between environment and pregnancy. We will be grateful to receive your submissions.

Dr. Antonio Ragusa, Dr. Alessandro Svelato and Dr. Caterina De Luca

Guest Editors