Effect of Air Pollution on Pregnancies and Precautions

It gets super exhilarating when you’re expecting a baby, doesn’t it? Because in a matter of months you’ll have your bundle of joy in your arms. Naturally, you’d want a happy and a healthy baby. However, today, with a ir pollution across all major cities in India, there are effects on the health of the fetus and newborns alike. It’s imperative that expecting and new mothers take the necessary precautions to minimize or prevent the effects of air pollution altogether on babies. It helps to invest in the best air purifier in India or air cleaners to protect your little one and breathe healthy.

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Before you do that, here’s a list on the effects of air pollution on pregnancies and a few tips on its prevention:

• Polluted air comprises particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, exhaust from vehicles/factories, dust and a host of other chemicals. Exposure to these substances causes coughing, wheezing, sinus infections, eye irritation fatigue, asthma, shortness of breath and bronchitis. These diseases can reduce immunity and make pregnancies arduous. 

• Asthma also contributes to a condition called preeclampsia. Which leads to reduced functioning of the liver and kidneys. When not treated in time and managed, chances are that the baby also develops asthma.  

• Prolonged exposure to polluted air in cities can lead to lower birth weights. 

• Studies have found that air pollution also increases the chances of preterm births. Children born preterm have a higher risk of neurological disorders. It helps to avoid air pollution as it’s one of the causes. 

• Research has shown that women who have been exposed to high levels of air pollution in their third trimester are more likely to deliver a child with autism.

• Some research links air pollution to miscarriages, too. It has also been found that air pollution contributes to lower fertility rates in men and women. 

• Worry not! Here’s how you can protect yourself and the baby from the effects of air pollution.

• Avoiding air pollution is next to impossible because it’s everywhere. So the next best thing you can do is invest in a good air purifier. Honeywell Home Air Purifiers are premium air cleaners that use effective and safe air-filtration technology. They are child-safe and come with HEPA and HiSivTM technology which will ensure that you breathe pure and healthy air. 

• Besides getting a good air purifier, make sure to try to stay indoors as much as possible. Check the air quality index online and plan trips to the mall and supermarket accordingly.

• Make sure that your ovens and stoves function properly in the kitchen. Also, try to avoid operating chulhas or firewood ovens/ stoves while cooking. 

• Avoid nooks and lanes where people smoke and remember to not be around friends and family when they are smoking. It helps to avoid restaurants that don’t serve hookah a separate zone. 

• Make sure that your home is well ventilated. It’s vital that you’re able to let out the fumes emanating from strong cleaning products. Avoid using air fresheners that come in spray cans. 

Keep these pointers in mind to be safe from air pollution and stay healthy.

Read Also: How to Safeguard the Health of Children and the Elderly During Winter Season