Pregnancy is wellness and not an illness

Khevna.P.Shah, INN/Bangalore

@Infodeaofficial

Air pollution has become a pressing issue globally. It not only spoils the environment but also causes health issues, especially among pregnant women. Air pollution such as ozone, chemical fumes, second-hand smoke, and vehicle exhaust causes eye irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, and damage to the heart and lungs. According to a National Institute of Health study, exposure to common air pollutants, such as ozone and fine particles, may increase the risk of early pregnancy loss. Adding on to it, air pollution contributes to lower fertility rates in women and men. According to research conducted, 2.6 million people are at risk from poor air quality, and most of them include unborn babies, children, adults older than 65, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes.

EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, the increased exposure to dust pollutants and particles may cause chronic irritation of the respiratory tract, causing chronic cough, wheezing, and asthma. A 2019 study published in ā€˜Natureā€™ suggests that a long time exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with first-trimester pregnancy loss. And other research suggests that higher exposure to air pollution results in lower birth weights, abnormal lung development, increased preterm births, and inflammation in the mother.

Many pediatricians also believe that air quality can have a long-term impact on childrenā€™s health. Another study suggests that babies exposed to air pollutants are likely to become obese in their childhood and may also contribute to the development of immunological diseases like asthma.

Potential dangers faced by pregnant women when being exposed to air pollution.

  1. Low birth weight

Babies who weigh less than 2500 grams at birth are considered low birth weight, which might be due to exposure to air pollution, as it may disrupt a babyā€™s development. Causing preterm delivery, resulting in very small babies with underdeveloped bodies and lungs.

A 2013 analysis of 14 population-level studies found that the higher prevalence of certain pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, correlated with a higher risk of low birth weight.

Though this does not prove that pollution causes low birth weight, but it establishes a potential connection between the two.

  1. Stillbirth

Stillbirth refers to the death of the baby in pregnancy, after 20 weeks.

According to a 2018 study a correlation was established between exposure to air pollution and stillbirth, increasing the risk in the third trimester.

  1. Preterm labor

Preterm labor increases the risk of other problems, such as low birth weight, underdeveloped lungs in the baby, and sometimes even the death of the baby during or shortly after the birth.Ā  A study published in a British medical journal in the year 2012Ā  concluded that increased ozone exposure in the first trimester is linked to the higher chances of preterm birth and the development of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Pregnant women living in polluted areas are more likely to experience early or preterm labor.

HOW TO PROTECT FROM AIR POLLUTION EXPOSURE

Simple protection strategies ā€” such as remaining indoors, wearing a face-covering when outdoors, and using quality air filters may reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on pregnancy. Other than that :

  1. Avoid smoking

Smoking during pregnancy or even passive smoking is a real risk as it increases the chance of complications such as bleeding and sudden death of the fetus. So itā€™s better to avoid it, even at home.

  1. Indoor pollution

It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid public places for long hours. Because these places are at the risk of exposure to inhaling smoke, dust, or paint fumes. Keep the area around the pregnant women dust-free and clean can reduce the particle count around them It is advisable during pregnancy that air purifiers are installed in our houses and tree plantation is encouraged.

Society needs to take ownership of reducing pollution. Pregnancy is wellness and not an illness, and while many things can influence the health of pregnant women and the baby, air pollution is something that needs to be avoided for the healthy growth of the baby.

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