Pregnancy and Fetal Pathologies in Women Living near Uranium Tailings (A Literature Review)

The impact of uranium tailings on the reproductive health of women and fetal development remains one of the priority concerns in environmental medicine and maternal and child health. Prolonged exposure to radionuclides, heavy metals, and other toxic agents commonly found near uranium production waste sites can lead to reproductive dysfunctions, complicated pregnancies, and the formation of congenital malformations in newborns. This literature review aims to systematize and analyze scientific data published over the past two decades in Russian and English. More than 40 sources, including epidemiological, experimental, and observational studies, were reviewed. It was found that living in areas contaminated by uranium tailings is associated with a higher incidence of gestational complications, including preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and congenital anomalies affecting the central nervous, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. Key pathophysiological mechanisms were identified: teratogenic effects of radionuclides, hormonal dysregulation, oxidative stress, and cytogenetic abnormalities. The sources were conditionally classified according to the type of research, geographic region, and level of evidence. The analysis highlights that existing studies are often fragmented and that a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to assessing medical and environmental risks is still under development. The findings emphasize the need to establish epidemiological and clinical-laboratory monitoring programs, particularly for women planning pregnancy or already in the gestational period who reside in areas with elevated technogenic exposure. Preventive strategies and early diagnostic systems must be prioritized in national healthcare policies for populations exposed to environmental radiation and chemical hazards.