Air pollution poses serious risks to unborn babies

 Air pollution poses serious risks to unborn babies

Air pollution has been shown to have a serious impact on pregnancy and the health of the baby, research has shown.

Scientists in the UK and Belgium have found evidence that black carbon particles can enter the bloodstream of a fetus.

Experts say that pollution can cause miscarriages, premature births and long-term health problems for pregnant women and babies.

Air pollution, especially in urban areas, has become a serious health challenge. As pollution levels rise in cities like Kathmandu, concerns are growing about its impact on the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. Various studies have shown that air pollution can seriously affect pregnancy and the development of the baby.

Scientists from the University of Aberdeen in the UK and Hasselt University in Belgium have found evidence that black carbon particles found in air pollution can cross the placenta and enter the bloodstream of a fetus during pregnancy. The information is published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal.

According to research mentioned in the journal, when black carbon enters the fetal circulatory system during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, it can also affect the fetus's lungs, brain, reproductive capacity, etc.

According to Professor Paul Fowler of the University of Aberdeen, what is even more worrying is that these black carbon particles also enter the developing human brain, which is dangerous.

Air pollution contains various chemicals, gases and particles such as PM 2.5. These pollutants enter the blood through the lungs and affect the reproductive system.

Research has shown that these pollutants disrupt hormonal balance, which leads to various complications during pregnancy, says Dr. Raju Pangeni, a chest disease and intensive care specialist.

Sources and risks of pollution

Pangeni said that air pollution contains various chemicals, gases and particles such as PM 2.5. “These pollutants are not only present in the outdoor environment but also indoors,” says Pangeni. “Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and dust particles are sources of outdoor pollution, while wood-burning stoves, smoking and the use of chemicals are indoor pollution.”

Effects of pollution on pregnancy

Pollution factors disrupt the balance of hormones that play an important role in the reproductive process. This can lead to problems with ovulation, menstrual irregularities and an increased risk of miscarriage, Dr. Pangeni said.

According to Dr. Pangeni, fine particles with a diameter of two and a half micrometers or less and other chemical pollutants can hinder the development of a baby in the womb, which increases the chances of miscarriage. Pollution increases the risk of premature birth, which can also have long-term effects on the health of the child.

Pangeni said that babies born to pregnant women exposed to pollution are also more likely to have low birth weight and stunted growth.

“Pollution can affect the development of a baby’s organs,” says Dr. Pangeni, “which can lead to birth defects and long-term health problems such as diabetes and other diseases.” Air pollution can seriously affect the health of pregnant women and the unborn child, says Dr. Jagat Jeevan Ghimire, a pediatric respiratory and intensive care specialist.

According to him, there are two types of pollution, outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution. In both types of pollution, the amount of exposure to which elements, such as PM 2.5, PM 10, nitrogen dioxide, etc., determine the impact on health.

Overall, pollution hinders the development of a baby in the womb. It can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, and congenital health problems, says Dr. Ghimire.

“The effects of pollution are particularly visible on the development of the baby’s lungs and brain. Exposure to pollution during pregnancy can delay lung development, impair lung function, and increase the risk of asthma or respiratory diseases later in life,” said Dr. Ghimire.

If a mother is exposed to air pollution during pregnancy, she says, brain development can also be affected. This can lead to small heads, neurodevelopmental problems like autism, and other cognitive problems, Ghimire said.

“In addition, pollution also increases the risk of premature birth and fetal death. Such children may also experience respiratory problems, allergies, and poor health after birth,” he says.

According to Ghimire, research conducted by organizations including the World Health Organization has also confirmed that exposure to pollution during pregnancy has long-term effects on the baby’s lungs and brain. These effects are particularly seen in lung function and neurodevelopment. Such risks have also been linked to premature birth and miscarriage.

What does other research say?

A study conducted in Jatnagar, Agra, using umbilical cord samples from 21 women found that 10 out of 21 pregnant women had pre-term deliveries.

The study was conducted by Dr. Madhu Anand and Dr. Atar Singh under the direction of Professor Ajay Taneja, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University. The study showed that premature births have a negative impact on the development of babies.

According to doctors involved in the study, pollution has affected pregnant women and their babies. 10 out of 21, about 47.6 percent of the women gave birth before 37 weeks. Which is classified as pre-term babies.

The levels of 'cadmium' and 'lead' were found to be high in the umbilical cords of women who gave birth prematurely. The last trimester of pregnancy, which is a crucial time for the development of the baby, was found to be low in weight due to environmental pollution.

According to the study, air pollution in Agra has confirmed that pregnant women and their babies are seriously affected. Pollutants such as cadmium, lead and PM 2.5 are increasing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, which negatively affects the long-term development of the baby.