The effect of continuously increasing smog and poor air quality index in Delhi NCR is no longer limited to only respiratory diseases or heart problems. A new research has revealed that polluted air has become a serious threat to pregnant women and the child in their womb. A study conducted by IIT Delhi, International Institute of Population Sciences, Mumbai, institutions of Britain and Ireland has revealed that fine particulate matter present in the air is proving dangerous for pregnant women.

Risk of premature delivery increased by 70 percent

According to research, the risk of premature birth of children increases by 70 percent in women who breathe more polluted air during pregnancy. At the same time, the chances of birth of children with low weight are also 40 percent higher. According to the study, with every 10 microgram per cubic meter increase of PM 2.5 in the air, the chances of premature birth increases by 12 percent. National Family Health Survey data also shows that between 2019 and 21, 13 percent of children in India were born prematurely, while 17 percent of children were underweight. According to experts, the main reason for this is the poisonous air of the country.

What is PM 2.5 and how dangerous is it?

PM 2.5 are very fine particles, whose size is less than 2.5 microns. This means that these particles are about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. These particles are released from vehicle emissions, smoke from factories, dust from construction work and burning of fossil fuels. Apart from this, their size is so small that they reach the deep parts of the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This affects the flow of oxygen in the body and increases swelling, which disrupts the process of delivering nutrients and oxygen to the baby in the womb.

What effect does pollution have on children?

According to the report of IIT-IIPS, exposure to pollution during pregnancy increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Due to which the functioning of the placenta gets affected. This has a direct impact on the development of children. This effect is most visible in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, when the baby is growing rapidly in the womb. During this period, exposure to pollution can cause problems like premature delivery, stillbirth and hindrance in the development of the child. Regarding this, experts say that this pollution obstructs the flow of oxygen and nutrients, which can affect the development of children’s organs and also increases the risk of congenital problems.

Most affected states

According to research, northern states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are most affected by this. The level of pollution in these states often remains in the very bad or severe category. On the contrary, the clean air of North-East India has been found to be better for the health of the children born. Children born under low weight and prematurely face many health related problems not only in the beginning but also in the future. In such a situation, the risk of diseases like infant mortality, developmental delay, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease increases. Apart from this, according to the report, prolonged exposure of mothers to pollution can increase the risk of preeclampsia, high blood pressure and miscarriage.

Ways for pregnant women to avoid pollution

• Pregnant women should avoid going out on days with high pollution.
• Air purifier should be used in the house.
• Apart from this, one must wear N95 or KN99 mask while going out.
• Keep the windows and doors of the house closed and control the ventilation in the house.
• Keep getting pregnancy checkups done from time to time.

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