Written by Editorial Team
Pollution is around us at all times in various forms. Avoiding pollution may seem impossible but pollution and pregnancy are not a good combination. Pregnant women encounter different types of pollution and sometimes it can affect the fetus too. Did you know, exposure to pollution during pregnancy can lead to issues like low birth weight, premature birth, and birth defects?
Avoiding regular day-to-day pollution may not be feasible. However, you can ensure you reduce your exposure to the bare minimum by taking the necessary steps and precautions. While you can limit your exposure to water and land pollution, there is nothing you can do about air pollution. Your only option is to find ways to reduce your exposure and stay as safe as possible, throughout your pregnancy.
In This Article
Air pollution in simple terms is the contamination of the air you breathe in. It includes both indoor and outdoor environments. The contaminants can be chemical, biological, or even physical agents which alter the natural air around us.
Despite sitting inside a sterile home, you have exposure to indoor air pollution from the chemicals and perfumes used inside the house. When you step out, you encounter many pollutants – some harmful and some not very harmful.
Some of the common types of air pollution we come across in our day-to-day lives are
We breathe in the air around us all the time. It can be very difficult to pick on pollutants in your day-to-day environment. In case of prolonged exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, you may notice the following symptoms:
Not all women suffer due to air pollution. However, continuous exposure to some toxic chemicals in the air can have a lasting impact on both the expecting mother and the baby. Some of the possible health issues a pregnant woman may face due to constant exposure to air pollution are
While we can and should advocate reducing air pollution and doing our part to save nature, it is a long process. Your pregnancy is very short in comparison and the air pollution problem will not come to an end by then.
Here are a few tips to help protect you and your baby:
The baby is well protected behind multiple layers and quite safe throughout the pregnancy. So, can the air outside reach and affect the baby behind all those layers?
Yes, unfortunately, the air the pregnant mother breathes in will have a direct impact on the fetus. The baby receives oxygen from the mother. So, the air along with all the pollutants will enter the mother’s body, cross the placenta and reach the baby. Prolonged exposure to such pollutants or harmful chemicals can have a direct and sometimes severe impact on the fetus.
Conclusion
Air pollution may seem like an insignificant exposure during pregnancy. However, your exposure to harmful pollutants can have a big impact on both your and your baby’s health. You need to find ways to at least reduce if not prevent your exposure to such pollutants. It is the only way to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and baby.
Yes, it can. The baby receives oxygen from the mother. So, what the mother breathes in can cross over the placenta and reach the baby.
Studies show prolonged exposure to air pollutants can cause birth defects like congenital heart disease, respiratory diseases, digestive system abnormalities, and more.
Yes, constant exposure to harmful pollutants can cause preterm deliveries, stillbirth, low birth weight, miscarriages, and even silent miscarriages (a miscarriage without the usual symptoms).
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