Title : Consequences of air pollution on health of women during pregnancy and unborn babies and interventions required
Abstract:
The author of this abstract is of the considered research view that good air quality is crucial for health of pregnant women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that air pollution significantly harms pregnant women and their (unborn) babies. Air pollution (defined as “presence of substances in the air which have harmful or poisonous effects”) significantly increases health risks of various types not only for women during pregnancy, it also results in preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, and long-term issues like asthma, neurological disorders, and underdeveloped organs. Pollutants cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduce oxygen, thereby affecting both growth of unborn babies and maternal health.
The prime objective of this paper is to present discussion on how air pollution (negatively) impacts pregnant women and their unborn babies. It also outlines intervention measures women need to take to avoid exposure to air pollution. The author has used secondary data (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature), and method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’.
Analysis of data in this research work indicates that air pollution (both indoor and outdoor) is a significant determinant of adverse health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and neonates (the neonatal period being the first four weeks of a child's life). When pollutants are inhaled, they enter the lungs and then pass into the bloodstream. It is important to note that from there, the harmful particles reach the placenta (the part of a woman’s body that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby). This exposure of air pollutants from mother to the womb [which protects the baby and supplies the food through a tube (umbilical cord)] can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the foetus. This situation causes several health complications for women (for instance, inflammation in the body). In this context, what is of concern is that these changes, over a period of time, can increase the chances of pregnancy-related complications (like restricted foetal growth and high blood pressure). Exposure to polluted air can cause early warning signs that indicate the woman’s body is under stress. During pregnancy, these symptoms may appear subtle (unnoticeable) but should never be overlooked, as they can signal complications developing over time. Some of the most common warning signs include breathing discomfort, persistent weakness, and (frequent) headaches, increased feelings of nausea or dizziness, irritated eyes and throat, and worsening of existing respiratory issue. Also, women should increase their immunity by choosing to healthy nutrition habits.
Health care providers and other stakeholders should design appropriate programs. Such intervention actions should encourage women to (1) reduce exposure by staying indoors during high air pollution levels days, (2) use air purifiers, (3) wearing N95 masks during outdoor activities, (4) improve home/indoor ventilation (especially while cooking), (5) choose less polluted routes for walks, and (6) avoid indoor smoke. This paper briefly concludes that polluted air carry harmful particles (substances) that are harmful for maternal & child health. Pregnant women need to take steps to remain away from exposure to air pollutants.
Keywords: Air Pollution, Consequence, Health, Women, Pregnancy, Unborn Babies, Restricted Foetal Growth, and Interventions Required
