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Be careful, Air Pollution Can Interfere with the Health of Pregnant and Fetus

Air pollution contains many harmful substances that can interfere with health, including the health of pregnant women and fetuses. So what are the risks of health problems that can occur due to air pollution in pregnant women? The quality of air that pregnant women breathe everyday has an effect on the health of the body and the condition of the Little One in the womb. Air pollution makes air quality worse. Besides disturbing the breathing of pregnant women, air pollution also has a bad impact on the unborn child.

Impact of Air Pollution for Maternal and Fetal Health

Air pollution can come from motor vehicle exhaust gases, cigarette smoke, dust, to the aroma or gas and chemical vapors. If continuously exposed to air pollution, pregnant women can experience various health problems. This happens because pollutants that pollute the air can be inhaled pregnant women, enter the lungs, make the respiratory tract inflamed, even into the blood circulation. Specifically in pregnant women, air pollution can be dangerous for the placenta that provides oxygen, blood, and nutrients for the unborn child. Furthermore, air pollution can cause pregnancy and fetal disorders such as:

  • Inflammation in the womb

    • The greater exposure to air pollution to pregnant women, the higher the risk of pregnant women experiencing inflammation in the uterus (intrauterine inflammation). This condition is most dangerous if it occurs in the first trimester and is one of the main causes of babies experiencing premature birth, asthma, and autism.

  • Low birth weight

    • Air pollution is considered as one of the causes of babies born with less weight than normal. This condition is more common in large cities that are densely populated, with poor air quality.

  • Premature birth

    • Premature birth can occur due to many factors. One of them is exposure to air pollution. In one study it was found that 18% of cases of preterm birth were related to air pollution. This raises concerns because babies born prematurely are more at risk of developing neurological disorders and disabilities.

  • Autism

    • There are researchers who find that exposure to certain substances in air pollution, with high levels, will cause children more at risk of experiencing autism. One of the conditions that can cause high exposure to air pollution in pregnant women is living on the edge of the highway.
In addition, air pollution can worsen the condition of asthma in pregnant women who already have this disease. If left untreated, asthma can cause the fetus to be deprived of oxygen, slow to develop, and be born premature or low birth weight. In addition, air pollutants that enter the placenta can also increase the risk of the fetus experiencing asthma in the future.

Reducing Air Pollution

Air pollution cannot be 100% avoided, especially if Bumil lives in a big city. Pregnant mother needs to know, air pollution does not only occur outdoors you know. Indoor air pollution can even be 2-5 times higher than outdoors. This pollution can come from chemicals used in the house, or from cigarette smoke. However, there are several ways that pregnant women can do to reduce the risk of adverse effects of air pollution, including:

  • Stay away from cigarette smoke

    • To reduce the risk of pregnant women and your child in the womb experiencing health problems, avoid cigarette smoke. Make sure Bumil does not smoke and is not near people who smoke.

  • Use air purifier

    • Pregnant women can also use air purifiers (air purifiers) that can filter air from smoke, bacteria, germs, and allergens. This tool is effective in maintaining indoor air quality.

  • Take advantage of plants to clean the air

    • In addition to air purifiers, pregnant women can also place plants in the house that naturally replace carbon dioxide with oxygen. One plant in every 9 square meters of house can help keep the air in the house healthy.

  • Make sure the air vents are functioning optimally

    • Make sure the air can freely enter and exit from inside and outside the house and vice versa, with good ventilation settings. The goal is that air exchange occurs in the room. Note the condition of air ventilation, especially in the bedroom and areas where there is a lot of smoke, such as the kitchen. Installation of exhaust fans in ventilation can help the air flow in the room.

  • Switch to environmentally friendly cleaning agents

    • Chemicals from household cleaners that pregnant women use can evaporate and be inhaled, so the risk of causing health problems. Therefore, Bumil should use household cleaning products that are environmentally friendly. Usually this product includes the words "green product" on the packaging label. Pregnant women can also make household cleaning fluids from a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water.

  • Use a mask

    • To reduce exposure to air pollution outside the room, pregnant women can wear masks, for example when riding public transportation or walking on the sidewalk. For optimal protection, wear an N95 type mask, bumil. Normal masks like surgical masks won't help enough.
There are various risks of health problems in pregnant women and fetuses due to air pollution. Come on, do some of the ways above to minimize the impact of air pollution. If necessary, consult your doctor about other ways that pregnant women need to do.

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