Air pollution during pregnancy can affect fetal development: Study
Breathing in air pollution during pregnancy—think PM2.5, NO2, and ozone—can actually slow down how a baby's lungs, brain, and other organs develop.
This new study highlights why it's so important for expecting moms to steer clear of polluted air whenever possible.
How does air pollution impact babies before birth?
Tiny particles like PM2.5 can travel from a mom's lungs right into the placenta and have been detected in fetal tissues.
This sets off immune reactions that mess with how much oxygen and nutrients get to the fetus, raising the risk of growth problems—especially if exposure happens in early or mid-pregnancy.
IVF pregnancies and older moms face extra risks
The study found that babies conceived through IVF or born to women over 35 are even more vulnerable to fetal growth restriction (FGR).
In a general cohort studied, higher PM2.5 exposure was linked to more preterm births (20%) and early-term births (16%).
Long-term effects go beyond birth
Late-pregnancy exposure ups the chances of NICU stays, smaller lung capacity, and preterm delivery.
Early exposures have been tied to lower toddler cognitive scores, higher autism risk, stillbirths, and future heart issues.
Brain scans reveal real changes
Fetal MRI scans have shown that mid-pregnancy exposure to polluted air can reduce the size of certain brain regions and alter brain development in utero—making clean air a big deal for both moms-to-be and their babies' futures.