How air pollution affects pregnant women and newborn babies

According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, which appears in the journal Fertility and Sterility, exposure to common air pollutants, such as ozone and fine particles, may increase the risk of early pregnancy loss. Multiple studies also indicate that air pollution contributes to lower fertility rates in men and women. During pregnancy, the growing uterus pushes the diaphragm up, making expecting mothers feel short of breath and thereby disturbing their sleeping patterns. The poor quality of air leads to an inflammation of the respiratory tract. Potential dangers of being exposed to air pollution during pregnancy During pregnancy, the increased consumption of dust pollutants and particles from the air itself causes chronic irritation of the respiratory tract, thus leading to inflammation and causing chronic cough, wheezing, congestion, eye and sinus irritation, asthma and chronic fatigue. Medication during pregnancy is restricted, to avoid complications. What can be done? The air quality index tells us the quality of air we live in. It is very important for us to be aware of the air quality levels in your city. According to the World Health Organization, 92 per cent of the world's population lives in poor air quality. Recently, it was shown that the air quality in the city of Mumbai had dropped down to very poor levels. In such weather, the smog created by particles settles down during early hours of the day. It is advisable to stay indoors at such time to avoid exposure to polluted air. Avoid Smoking If you or your partner is a smoker, then you may be at a real risk. If you are a smoker and continue to do so during pregnancy, the chance of complications including sudden bleeding and sudden foetal death are high. If your partner is a smoker, then you may land up inhaling the smoke passively. So all efforts must be taken to avoid passive smoking, particularly during pregnancy. Indoor pollution It is advisable to avoid crowded public places for long hours. Again at these places, there is a high chance of inhaling smoke, paint and dust. If there is any such activity happening around you, allow the fresh air to pass through the windows. Keeping the area around you dust-free and clean can reduce the particle count around you. It is advisable during pregnancy that air purifiers are installed in our houses and tree plantation is encouraged. The society needs to take the ownership of reducing pollution. Pregnancy is wellness and not an illness, and while many things can influence the health of you and your baby, air pollution is something that needs to be avoided for the healthy growth of the baby. (The writer is Senior Gynaecologist & Medical Director, Cloudnine Hospital Mumbai.) Dailyhunthttps://gab.com/greekfranchise

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