A study from Hebei, China, published in Open Medicine, provide evidence that even mild exposure to air pollution can lead to a host of negative effects on pregnancy.

Due to increased urbanization in China, Hebei has become a region in China that has been experiencing significant air pollution. Researchers from that region was interested in how this can impact pregnancy.

Following the outcomes of 842 pregnancies over a three-year period, the investigators analyzed smog components of airborne particles, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Their findings:

1. mild exposure to inhalable airbone particles during the entire pregnancy increased the risk of low birth weight
2. mild exposure to carbon monoxide during the 3rd trimester also increased the risk of low birth weight
3. mild exposure to airbone particles increased the risk of hypertension during pregnancy, especially in the 1st and 3rd trimester
4. nitrogen dioxide exposure in the 2nd trimester also increased the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy
5. airborn particle exposure increased risk of early membrane rupture (water breaking)

Support laws and politicians who will be strict on air pollution and find ways to decrease your contribution to it as your children and their future depend on it.

Y Zhai et al. Smog and risk of maternal and fetal birth outcomes: A retrospective study in Baoding, China. Open Medicine (2022). https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2022-0489