How air pollution affects pregnancy

Congratulations to your growing family! Now there is something to think about. It is fairly easy to avoid seafood and alcohol during pregnancy. But what about the air you breathe?

For years, researchers have been studying the effects of air pollution on pregnancy, the potential adverse effects of air pollution on pregnant women and their babies, and with each discovery, the prognosis seems to be getting worse.

Here's everything you need to know about air quality, sources of pollution, and how to avoid breathing unhealthy air while carrying your baby.

What is air pollution?

Air pollution comes in many forms. Typically, polluted air consists of ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, vehicle exhaust, building emissions, second-hand smoke, dust, and chemicals. You can be exposed to air pollution whether you are in the countryside or in a big city.

Common symptoms of long-term exposure to air pollution include:

Coughing
Wheezing
Eye and sinus irritation
Advanced respiratory diseases like bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema
Chronic fatigue
Decreased lung capacity and shortness of breath
Damage to lungs and heart
Cancer

While air pollution is harmful to any living being, it has the most severe effects on pregnant women, children, infants, people with respiratory illnesses, and the elderly.

Potential hazards of exposure to air pollution during pregnancy

Research is always showing stronger data on what polluted air can do to pregnant women and their babies.

Here are some of the sobering consequences you may need to watch out for.

Low birth weight. Pregnancy ideally produces babies weighing 2.7 to 4 kg at 38 to 40 weeks. Babies weighing less than 2.5 kg are considered "low birth weight".
Premature birth. According to a study, about three million babies are born prematurely each year due to air pollution. This means that 18% of all annual preterm births are attributable to exposure to particulate pollution. Premature babies are at significant risk of neurological disorders and permanent physical disability. While preterm birth can happen to anyone for many reasons, you should try to avoid air pollution.
Autism. An alarming study found that women exposed to heavy particulate matter during their third trimester were twice as likely to have children with autism, especially if they lived near highways where particle concentrations were highest. Importantly, this study found that women exposed to the same hazardous particle exposure early in pregnancy did not have an increased risk of having an autistic child.
Asthma. Air pollution aggravates asthma. In pregnant women, this can be dangerous because asthma can cause preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and decreased liver and kidney function. When asthma is well controlled, you and your child should be fine. However, untreated asthma can cause your baby to become deficient in oxygen, leading to poor growth, preterm labor, and low birth weight. Research has also shown that exposure to polluted air can increase your baby's chances of developing asthma later in life, as the pollutants pass onto the placenta.
Problems with fertility. If you are planning to start or expand a family, you may need to monitor the air you breathe. Several studies have found that air pollution contributes to lower fertility in both men and women. Some studies have also linked air pollution to miscarriages.

Ways to protect yourself from air pollution during pregnancy

It is impossible to avoid all potential health risks for you and your baby, but there are many things you can do to reduce your exposure to air pollution.

Buy an air purifier. Outdoor air pollution isn't the only thing you need to worry about. People spend 90% of their lives indoors, where pollutant levels are two to five times higher than outdoors. Solve this problem by purchasing air purifiers for your home. These devices remove everything from smoke and allergens to mold and germs from the air, helping you and your child grow up in a healthier environment.
Protect your air. Every time you cook, use hairspray, paint or light a fire, you are polluting the air in your home. Create a healthy environment by using natural household cleaners, using a range hood while cooking, performing regular mold checks, and using carbon monoxide detectors.
Stay inside. Your skin is your largest organ, absorbing 60-100% of everything it comes into contact with. Pregnant women share everything with their children; what you eat, drink, breathe and come into contact with your fetus. Even if you wear a gas mask, your skin will be exposed to outdoor air pollution such as particulate matter. Example: If the forecast tells you to watch for outdoor air pollution, stay indoors with air purifiers on.
Purchase air-purifying plants. Plants naturally filter the air and help you and your growing baby breathe healthier air. Some varieties of spiders and snakes remove volatile organic compounds from the air and replace carbon dioxide with fresh/pure oxygen.
Pregnancy is a delicate balance. While many factors can affect your health and that of your child, you can learn to avoid air pollution. Use these tips to keep your newborn and loved ones safe.