Pollution during pregnancy increases risk of stillbirth, low birth weight
Breathing polluted air during pregnancy may put babies at risk.
Research presented by an IIT Delhi researcher found that exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) increases the chances of low birth weight, preterm births, and even stillbirths.
Nigerian data showed risks went up by 8% for low birth weight, 6% for preterm birth, and 4% for stillbirth when moms were exposed to more PM2.5.
PM2.5 can disrupt fetal development
PM2.5 is so tiny it slips into the bloodstream and can disrupt fetal development—especially early in pregnancy.
People in lower-income areas face higher exposure because of cooking with biomass and living in polluted neighborhoods, making this a global issue from Africa to South Asia.
If Nigeria met its own air quality standard, risks could drop
If Nigeria met its own air quality standard (20 micrograms per cubic meter), risks could drop—but that's still four times higher than what the World Health Organization recommends.
The study stresses that better air policies could seriously improve outcomes for moms and newborns everywhere, especially where pollution hits hardest.
Low birth weight and preterm births are major reasons newborns die
Low birth weight and preterm births are major reasons newborns don't survive worldwide.
Cutting down on PM2.5 through smarter environmental choices could save lives—especially for families who already face more pollution than most.