Beware of Exposure to Air Pollution Can Risk Premature Giving Birth

Pregnant women are advised not to underestimate exposure to air pollution. The researchers suggest that air pollution can weaken the placenta or placenta surrounding the fetus and can cause premature birth. Air pollution is also known to cause pressure on the immune system and increase toxic compounds in the blood. Several studies have been conducted to see the effects of air pollution on health. The air pollution studied here is the exhaust fumes from combustion of vehicle engines containing a mixture of various particles and toxic gases (carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide). The particles in question are very small particles, which are less than 10 microns. Because of their very small size, these particles can infiltrate deep into the lungs. These micro particles can also penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, then enter the brain and placenta. This can later invite various health risks.

Age of Pregnancy Prone to Exposure to Pollution

The time from conception to delivery is perhaps one of the most vulnerable stages of life. During this period, the environment can have basic health effects on babies and their effects are long-term. Evidence shows that exposure to air pollution from vehicles can cause the fetus to be born before 37 weeks old in the womb or called premature. Premature babies or those whose growth is stunted can be vulnerable to additional environmental exposure. For example, because the stages of development of the lungs at birth are not perfect, premature babies are prone to breathing problems when they are in an environment with air pollution. The data also shows that the impact of environmental exposure on the delay of fetal growth and development in the womb can later have an impact on the risk of heart disease and diabetes in adulthood. In addition, a study suggests that the age of the first and last trimester content is very vulnerable to problems when exposed to high CO and micro particle levels. During early pregnancy, exposure to air pollution can inhibit the development of the placenta which can further interfere with the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. While the third trimester is an important phase for the development of fetal weight. The study also showed that there was a relationship between exposure to air pollution with premature birth or low birth weight babies. This is because exposure to air pollution during the pregnancy period can trigger inflammation and cause premature birth.

Other Air Pollution Dangers During Pregnancy

Besides being premature, there are several other risks, such as:
  • Babies are born with congenital heart defects. If a pregnant woman is exposed to CO and possibly ozone at the age of two months, there is an increased risk of babies having certain heart defects. This is estimated because the age of the womb is the most important time for the formation of fetal heart organs.
  • Babies born with low body weight, which is less than 2.5 kg.
  • Babies have a high risk of death. Eventually, babies who have certain birth defects, are born with a low body weight, or are born premature due to environmental exposure, have a much higher risk of dying early in life. While babies who survive from this condition, still have a high risk for experiencing respiratory, brain and digestive disorders in the future.
  • Inhibiting the physical development of children. Early childhood is a critical period for the development and maturity of several biological systems, such as the lungs, brain, and immune system. Meanwhile, air pollution can damage lung function and nerve development, or worsen diseases that are being suffered, such as asthma.
The study of the effects of air pollution on pregnancy and birth is indeed an area that requires further research because there are still many unanswered questions. However, more and more evidence shows exposure to air pollution to pregnancy and to early childhood places the child at a higher risk for health problems. After reading the discussion above, it is very important for pregnant women to pay attention to the environmental conditions in which she is. An environmental expert said that pregnant women living in areas with significant air pollution should try to minimize the time spent outdoors. If you really have to do outdoor activities, try to choose the time in the morning or after sunset. This is because sunlight increases ozone levels. Mother can also install air filters in the house and close the window so that pollution from outside does not enter the house. In addition, Mother can protect herself and her family from exposure to air pollution by not exercising outdoors when air quality is reported to be an unhealthy condition. When you exercise in an unhealthy air condition, the faster you breathe, the more pollution gets into your lungs. No less important is to strengthen Mother's immune system by meeting the need for water, nutrition and regular exercise.

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