How Air Pollution Can Affect Your Pregnancy? Tips to Prevent

Dr.Madhulika Sinha, 3 mins read

Pregnancy is a wonderful moment for every expecting mother like you. No doubt, you are doing every bit possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy. You are avoiding your favourite snacks and soft drinks. But what If we say you are still at risk of an unseeable factor? This includes the air we breathe.

As many parts of India have been covered with a thick blanket of pollution, we have become susceptible to numerous health problems. This problem is even riskier for expecting mothers.

Exposure to poor air quality has been linked to a range of pregnancy complications and health problems for both mothers and babies. This guide will discuss it in detail and help you find a way to tackle this challenge.

The Invisible Enemy

Although air is a necessity of the human body to fulfil oxygen needs, it has become a poison nowadays. It’s due to the increasing air pollution, which is a complex mixture of gases and particles that can come from a variety of sources, including traffic, industrial activities, and stubble burning.

When you breathe in polluted air, these particles and gases enter the bloodstream and potentially harm your body, including your developing baby.

How Does Air Pollution Affect Pregnancy?

Experts believe that pregnant women living in highly polluted areas can inhale toxic particles of gases. These particles can move from the lungs to the bloodstream and then to the placenta. The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus to connect the mother to the developing baby through the umbilical cord.

The presence of toxic particles in the placenta can be harmful to the baby in many ways. Some experts believe higher exposure to air pollution can result in:

• Lower birth weight
• Abnormal lung development
• Risk of infant mortality
• Risk of preterm birth

Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to Air Pollution

While it's impossible to completely eliminate your exposure to air pollution, some simple steps can reduce your risk:

Avoid heavy traffic areas: Many people usually keep their vehicle engine on, even in heavy traffic or near traffic lights, which may raise air pollution in that area. Try to avoid these areas or wear an N95 mask.

Use air purifiers: Consider using air purifiers in your home and office to reduce indoor air pollution.

Stay indoors: If possible, stay indoors during peak air pollution hours, such as during early morning. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) of your region before going out. And don’t forget to wear a mask.

Avoid smoking and passive smoking: During pregnancy, quitting smoking is not just sufficient. You should also keep yourself away from secondhand smoke.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Baby's Health?

Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be helpful. Discuss with your dietitian for a personalised diet chart plan.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and support your baby's health.

Rest: Getting enough rest and managing stress can do wonders for you. Along with rest, it is important to be active also. You can do light stretching exercises recommended by your doctor.

Get regular prenatal care: This will help you identify any potential health problems early on. Keep in touch with your doctor and undergo the prescribed tests.