How high AQI can affect pregnant women and unborn babies

The alarming rise in air pollution in northern India can cause health risks for pregnant women and their unborn children.

High AQI has gripped northern India, especially in the national capital region. While people immediately experience breathing issues, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes, high AQI can have detrimental, long-term health effects.

Air pollution, measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI), has been shown to adversely impact the health of pregnant women and their unborn children.

With pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone playing a significant role, doctors warn that high AQI levels can lead to a range of complications in pregnancy.

Dr Juhi Patel, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, explained that "the severe effects of high levels of AQI, mainly due to particulate matter and ozone exposure, can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in the child."

Studies reveal that mothers exposed to high pollution levels during pregnancy have a higher chance of delivering prematurely, with infants born at lower weights—a risk factor for health problems in infancy and beyond.

Besides this, exposure to pollutants can interfere with fetal growth. Pregnant women exposed to elevated AQI levels are more likely to experience inflammation, which can cross the placental barrier, potentially causing respiratory issues like asthma in their children later in life.

Dr Patel said that exposure in the third trimester is particularly critical, as it has been linked to conditions such as autism and neurodevelopmental delays.

High AQI is also associated with a heightened risk of preeclampsia, which means high blood pressure during pregnancy.

"To protect themselves and their unborn child, mothers should monitor AQI indexes, limit outdoor exposure during high pollution days, and use air purifiers when pollution levels are very high," Dr Patel advised.

Dr Sharwari D Dua, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, also pointed out the potential neurodevelopmental impact.

"Air pollution is a preventable risk factor for healthy child neuro-development," she said.

Studies have shown that prenatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide is linked to childhood behavioural issues, with girls particularly susceptible.

Moreover, exposure to fine particulate matter in the second trimester has been associated with lower IQ, especially affecting boys.

Once born, children in their early years remain vulnerable to these pollutants, as air inhaled can affect the brain regions responsible for cognitive and behavioural functions.

The effects of pollution can even extend to maternal allergies during pregnancy, which may cause distress and affect the fetus. Dr Dua added that pollution also affects fertility, potentially delaying conception during the childbearing years.

Dr Vaishali Sharma, Laparoscopic Surgeon and IVF Specialist, highlighted the importance of understanding these risks, noting that "pregnancy is a time of joy but also a period of heightened vulnerability to environmental factors."

She advised pregnant women to actively monitor air quality and take preventive steps, such as using air purifiers with HEPA filters at home, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and wearing masks when going out.