Pollution Poses Serious Health Risks for Pregnant Women and Unborn Babies

Pollution levels have reached dangerous heights, severely impacting pregnant women and their unborn children. Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in polluted air harms the lungs of both mother and fetus, necessitating special precautions during pregnancy.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to polluted air during pregnancy increases risks of premature birth, low birth weight, and respiratory issues in newborns. Studies even indicate a heightened chance of Alzheimer's risk later in children exposed to pollution in utero. Pollution causes various respiratory ailments in pregnant women, from asthma to bronchitis, as tiny harmful particles enter the lungs and bloodstream, affecting vital organs including the heart and brain. These particles can cross to the fetus, endangering its health.

Research also highlights increased risks of DNA changes in fetuses due to pollution toxins accumulated in the mother’s body, which can lead to asthma, allergies, and other long-term health problems in children, as explained by Dr. Saloni Chadha from Delhi’s RML Hospital. Children raised in polluted environments continue to face respiratory challenges such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.

To minimize these dangers, pregnant women are advised to:

• Avoid outdoor exposure during high pollution days

• Wear protective masks like N95 or N99

• Use indoor air purifiers

• Consume plenty of water, fruits, and green vegetables to detoxify the body

This comprehensive approach can help protect both mother and child from the harmful effects of pollution.