Pregnant women are advised not to underestimate exposure to air pollution

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Pregnant women are advised not to underestimate exposure to air pollution. The researchers point out that air pollution can weaken the placenta or placenta that surrounds the fetus and can cause premature birth. Air pollution is also known to cause pressure on the immune system and increase the toxic compounds in the blood.

Several studies have been conducted to look at the effects of air pollution on health. The air pollution examined here is the exhaust fumes of engine combustion vehicles containing mixtures of various particles and toxic gases (carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide). The particles in question are very small particles of less than 10 microns. Because of its very small size, these particles can infiltrate deep into the lungs. These micro particles are also able to penetrate the limits of the lungs and enter the bloodstream, then into the brain and placenta. This can invite various health risks.

Pregnancy Age Vulnerable to Exposure to Pollution
The time between conception and childbirth may be one of the most vulnerable stages of life. In this period, the environment can provide basic health effects on infants and their effects are long-term. The evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution from the vehicle, can cause the fetus to be born before 37 weeks in the womb or is called premature.
Premature or stunted infants may become susceptible to additional environmental exposure. For example, because the stage of lung development at birth is not perfect, premature infants are susceptible to respiratory problems when in an environment with air pollution. The data also show that the impact of environmental exposure to delayed growth of fetal growth in the womb will later affect the risk of heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.

In addition, a study suggests that the age of first and last trimester content is particularly vulnerable when exposed to high levels of CO and micro particles.

During early pregnancy, exposure to air pollution can inhibit the development of the placenta which may further interfere with the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. While the third trimester is an important phase for the development of fetal weight. The study also showed that there is a relationship between exposure to air pollution with preterm birth or low birth weight babies. This is because exposure to air pollution during the period of pregnancy can trigger inflammation and lead to premature birth.

Other Air Pollution Hazards During Pregnancy
In addition to premature, there are several other risks, such as:
Babies born with congenital heart defects. When pregnant women are exposed to CO and possibly ozone at two months' gestation, there is an increased risk of having a certain heart defect. This is expected because the age of the uterus is the most important time for the formation of fetal heart organ.
Babies born with low weight, ie less than 2.5 kg.
Babies have a high risk of death. In the end, infants with certain birth defects, low birth weight, or premature birth due to environmental exposures, have a much higher risk for early death. While babies who survive from this condition, still have a high risk of experiencing respiratory, brain, and digestive disorders in the future.
Inhibits physical development of children. Early age is a critical period for the development and maturation of several biological systems, such as the lungs, brain, and immune system. Meanwhile, air pollution can impair lung function and neurological development, or worsen the illness suffered, such as asthma.
Studies on the impact of air pollution on pregnancy and childbirth are still areas that require further research because there are still many unanswered questions. However, more and more evidence suggests exposure to air pollution to pregnancy and to early childhood puts children at a higher risk of health problems.
After reading the above discussion, it is very important for pregnant women to pay attention to the environmental conditions in which he is. An environmental expert says that pregnant women living in areas with significant air pollution should try to minimize the time spent outdoors. If you have to move outdoors, try to choose the time of day or after sunset. This is because sunlight increases ozone levels. Mother can also install air filters in the house and close the window so that pollution from the outside does not go into the house.

In addition, Mother can protect herself and her family from exposure to air pollution by not exercising outdoors when air quality is reportedly indicated as an unhealthy condition. When exercising in unhealthy air conditions, the faster you breathe the more pollution that enters the lungs. No less important is to strengthen the body's immune Mother to meet the needs of water, nutrition, and exercise routine.