Pregnancy is a sensitive time with many changes. At a time when you have to face bad air and pollution, it can be dangerous for the health of both you and your child. A fertility expert is giving some important tips for this.
With the change in weather, a thick blanket of smog has hung in the atmosphere of Delhi. The effect of which is clearly visible on the respiratory and reproductive health of the people. In the last few days, the air quality in the National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) has started touching critical levels and in such a situation, it is natural to be concerned about the health of pregnant women (Pregnancy and air pollution). Pregnancy is already delicate and in such a situation, if even the air becomes poisonous, then the challenges increase. This not only increases the risk to the mother’s health, but also increases the challenge in terms of her ability to conceive and have a healthy baby.
We spoke to Dr. Shilpa Singhal to know how air pollution affects pregnancy, and how to avoid its risks. Dr. Shilpa Birla is IVF specialist at Fertility & IVF, Delhi.
Pollution effects on fertility and pregnancy
Dr. Shilpa says, “Air pollution is not just the smog visible to our eyes. Micro-pollutants present in the air – PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide – enter our bloodstream and through the lungs, affect many other vital systems of the body.
Their effect on pregnant women (Pregnancy and air pollution) is even more serious and due to this, their own health not only gets spoiled but it also affects the development of the fetus in their womb.
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1 the birth rate decreases
A study conducted in this regard in China has revealed that due to air pollution the birth rate sometimes becomes lower than in normal conditions. Additionally, the risk of premature delivery also increases due to activation of placental enzymes and miscarriage.
2 problems like autism
Another study conducted at Harvard found that mothers who were exposed to highly polluted air for a long time could develop autism and behavioral problems in the third trimester.
3 Ovarian reserve may be reduced
Research from Human Reproduction Update revealed that exposure to air pollution reduces the ovarian reserve of women by 20% and also affects the movement of sperm in men (sperm motility). Due to which pregnancy is affected.
4 Fertility decreases
It is clear from these research results that air pollution is not just an environmental issue, but it directly affects reproductive health, fertility rate and pregnancy outcomes.
How to keep yourself safe in the increasing air pollution levels of Delhi (Safety tips for pregnant women in pollution)
In a metropolis like Delhi, where the risk of air pollution increases with the onset of winter season, if someone is wishing to conceive or is preparing to welcome a new guest in their family, then follow the following measures:
1 Increase indoor activities
Dr. Shilpa advises, “Fertility and healthy pregnancy Active lifestyle is very important for a person, but when the outside environment is full of pollution and the danger of smog is looming, then staying indoors instead of outdoor for walk or exercise is a safe option. Similarly, by doing prenatal yoga or light stretching indoors, you keep yourself active and also protect yourself from dangerous toxins.”
2. Give importance to preventive diet
Of course, by eating right, you can reduce the adverse effects of pollution to a great extent. Include these in your diet and also increase water intake:
Vitamin C: Consuming sour and juicy fruits (citrus), strawberry and amla increases immunity and also protects from oxidative stress.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Walnuts, chia seeds and fatty fish like salmon help reduce inflammation and promote healthy fetal brain development.
Antioxidant rich vegetables: Vegetables like spinach, fenugreek and sweet potato are easily available in this season and play an important role in detoxifying your system.
3 Improve indoor air quality
In view of the toxins present in the air, you can install a high-quality air purifier with HEPA filter to improve the air quality inside your homes. Keep it on to improve air quality and have healthy air.
Apart from this, you can also choose plants like Erica Palm, Spider Plant and Snake Plant for your homes which make the air naturally clean.
4. Wear N95 mask if you go out of the house
Of course, life cannot stop due to air pollution and you have to go out, so whenever you go out of the house, wear an N95 mask and cover your nose and mouth properly, so that you do not get in contact with dangerous elements. Can be protected from. Avoid going to areas with high traffic and congestion or industrial activities.
5 Use chimney in kitchen
Using a chimney in the kitchen continuously vents smoke, oil and cooking odors, which improves ventilation, thus preventing moisture and smoke from getting trapped inside the kitchen, which would otherwise cause respiratory problems. Becomes the reason.
Given the widespread impact of air pollution, caution is advised. Therefore, stay in touch with your gynecologist so that the health of the fetus can be continuously monitored. Apart from healthcare providers, family and friends should also support the pregnant woman so that the pregnancy journey remains pleasant.
Also read – Increasing pollution can be dangerous for the heart, know how to take care of heart health.
