During pregnancy, women are very worried about the growth of the child. At the same time, when pollution starts to increase even more around Diwali, then this concern increases even more. Air pollution during pregnancy is equally harmful for both mother and baby. Different types of particles present in pollution have a bad effect on a child’s health. So much so that sometimes it can even lead to premature birth.
In such a situation, women should take special care of themselves during pregnancy. Since the unborn baby is very sensitive, any interference with the health of the mother can lead to the death of the child. That is why it is necessary to follow every step during pregnancy. So let’s know how it affects the pregnant woman and her newborn. Also, you will know some important measures to avoid it.
Find out how air pollution can affect pregnancy here
1. stillborn
When a child dies in the mother’s womb and cannot breathe during childbirth, it is called stillbirth and stillbirth. A 2018 study by the National Library of Medicine found that women who are heavily exposed to air pollution during pregnancy may face problems such as stillbirth during pregnancy. The risk is highest, especially in the third trimester.
2. Low birth weight
Exposure to excessive air pollution during pregnancy is not without its dangers. It can interfere with the child’s development. In many studies it is seen that women affected by air pollution gave birth to low birth weight and weak children.
In addition, it can lead to premature birth. Because of this, the body and lungs of children remain underdeveloped and later this greatly affects the health of children.
3. Premature birth
If a woman is heavily exposed to air pollution during pregnancy, there is a possibility of premature birth. In such a situation, due to premature birth pains, many types of problems are observed – such as the birth of an underdeveloped child, the death of a child during childbirth, and the birth of a child of low weight.
According to a 2019 study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, various types of harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide and ozone are present in air pollution. All this can be harmful to the health of both women and babies during pregnancy. However, they are also harmful to ordinary people. But during pregnancy their effect increases to a great extent.
4. Miscarriage
Air pollution affects the fertility of both men and women. In addition, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can also cause miscarriage. So be careful and avoid exposure to polluted air as much as possible during pregnancy.
Now know how to take care of yourself in the midst of increasing air pollution
1. Keep indoor air quality clean
You may not be able to prevent air pollution yourself, but you can protect your home to avoid it. For this, you must regularly check the air quality in your house. In addition, take necessary measures so that the pollution does not increase further.
2. Avoid knowing pollution from outside
Avoid going outside as much as possible during pregnancy. Even if you wear a mask, the air from your skin goes into your body and helps all the impurities enter the body with you. If you need fresh air and an open environment, then you can take a walk among the trees and plants in your own garden. In addition, try to keep the environment as clean as possible.
3. Stay away from any smoke
If you are pregnant, keep in mind that wherever there is smoking, keep as far away from it as possible, such as smoke coming from cars and factories. Along with this, if you smoke, then completely quit during pregnancy and if your partner is a smoker. They should also stop smoking during these 9 months. Otherwise, the health of the mother and child may be at risk.
4. Be aware of pollution and reduce it
People understand their problems, so be aware of air pollution and spread awareness to other people. For example, first of all think about what is your contribution to this pollution and as soon as you find out, immediately stop that work.
5. Exercise indoors instead of studying outside
If you are pregnant, avoid exercising outdoors. Because when you exercise, your breathing becomes very fast. Which is why you inhale a large amount of air, and together with the air, the dangerous bacteria present in it can damage it by entering the body.
6. Perform regular safety inspections
Try to travel through low traffic areas when going for checkups etc. Also, it would be advisable to get treatment from a doctor nearby.
Read also: Self-examination is the first way to detect breast cancer, know how to do it
