Protecting Your Pregnancy From Air Pollution's Harmful Effects

Air pollution is a serious health risk for both pregnant people and their babies. Research has shown that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can negatively affect unborn babies, causing lower birth weights, abnormal lung development, higher rates of infant mortality, and increased preterm births. As such, it is important to take steps to avoid and reduce exposure to air pollution during pregnancy. While it may be impossible to avoid every harmful substance in the air, there are several measures that can be taken to decrease the air pollution to which the baby is exposed.

How to avoid air pollution while pregnant

Stay indoors when air pollution is high

Staying indoors is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself and your baby from the harmful effects of air pollution. Air pollution is a serious health risk for both pregnant women and their babies, and it can have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Research has shown that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can result in lower birth weights, abnormal lung development, higher rates of infant mortality, and increased preterm births, as well as inflammation in the mother.

By staying indoors when air pollution levels are high, you can reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants and protect your health and that of your baby. This is especially important during the early and late stages of pregnancy, when the fetus is particularly susceptible to environmental contaminants as it is developing.

To know when to stay indoors, it is important to monitor air quality. You can check your area's air quality index (AQI) on websites like airnow.gov or use local resources like the UK Air website or the @DefraUKAir feed on Twitter. These tools will help you stay informed about the air pollution levels in your area and make decisions about when to limit your time outdoors.

In addition to staying indoors, there are other measures you can take to reduce your exposure to air pollution. These include investing in an air purifier for your home, getting air-purifying plants, and wearing a face mask or face covering when you need to go outdoors. Remember, even if you wear a mask, pollutants can still be absorbed through your skin, so limiting your time outdoors during high pollution periods is crucial.

Wear face coverings when outdoors

Face masks or coverings are recommended by several sources to protect against air pollution during pregnancy. While face masks may not help with outdoor air pollution, masks with active charcoal filters can filter out some pollution particles. However, it is important to note that they do not filter out the smallest and most harmful particles.

If you are painting, it is advisable to wear a face mask along with protective clothing like gloves, long trousers, a long-sleeved top, and goggles. Painting should ideally be done in a well-ventilated room with open windows and doors to allow fumes to escape. It is also important to avoid eating or drinking in the room while painting and to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Additionally, face coverings can be worn when using cleaning products or paint to reduce indoor air pollution exposure. This is especially important during pregnancy to protect the developing fetus from potential harm.

While it is impossible to avoid every harmful substance in the air, wearing a face mask or covering can be a simple step toward protecting yourself and your baby from air pollution.

Use air purifiers and air-purifying plants

Air purifiers and air-purifying plants can help you maintain cleaner indoor air quality during pregnancy. While you may not be able to control the levels of outdoor pollution, taking steps to improve the air quality in your home can help reduce the overall risk of pregnancy complications related to air pollution.

Air Purifiers

Consider investing in an air purifier to filter harmful pollutants out of the air. Air purifiers can help remove particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other indoor air pollutants. If you live in an area with poor air quality, using an air purifier can provide some reassurance that you are taking steps to protect yourself and your baby.

When choosing an air purifier, look for one that is designed to remove a range of pollutants, including particulate matter (such as dust and pollen), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odours. Some air purifiers also have additional features, such as HEPA filters, carbon filters, or ultraviolet (UV) light, which can help remove specific types of pollutants.

Air-Purifying Plants

In addition to air purifiers, certain varieties of indoor plants can also help improve air quality. Plants naturally filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and some plants are particularly effective at removing specific pollutants.

Spider plants and snake plants, for example, are known for their ability to remove VOCs from the air. Other plants, such as peace lilies, bamboo palms, and rubber plants, are also effective air purifiers. Try to have at least one plant for every 100 square feet of space to maintain optimal air quality.

By using a combination of air purifiers and air-purifying plants, you can take an active role in reducing your exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and creating a healthier environment for yourself and your baby.

Limit exposure to second-hand smoke

It is important to limit exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy. According to the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation, no level of second-hand smoke exposure is safe. The 2010 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, "How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease", confirmed that even low levels of smoke exposure can lead to a rapid and sharp increase in dysfunction and inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels, which are implicated in heart attacks and strokes.

Pregnant women can be exposed to second-hand smoke without even realizing it. It is therefore recommended that pregnant women ensure that their partners smoke outdoors and do not enter the house wearing the outer clothing they have smoked in. For example, partners could be encouraged to wear a coat or sweatshirt when smoking and remove it before coming indoors.

Additionally, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can distribute second-hand smoke throughout a building. The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, "The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Secondhand Smoke", concluded that separating smokers from non-smokers, using air cleaning technologies, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate second-hand smoke exposure. This is because conventional air cleaning systems cannot remove all the poisons, toxins, gases, and particles found in second-hand smoke.

To further limit exposure to second-hand smoke, it is important to wash your hands after being exposed to cigarettes before touching your baby. This is true even after birth, as babies have been found to be vulnerable to the health consequences caused by tobacco smoke and second-hand smoke.

Avoid using harmful household products

Air pollution is a serious health risk for both pregnant people and their babies. While it is impossible to avoid every harmful substance in the air, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to polluted air and protect your health. This includes avoiding the use of harmful household products.

Firstly, it is important to limit your use of pest products like fly sprays, bug killers, and flea powders. Even products that claim to be free of 'harmful' chemicals or label themselves as 'natural' may not be safe. If you are concerned, opt for natural alternatives such as white distilled vinegar, which can be used as a cleaning agent, or baking soda, which is great for cleaning ovens and stubborn surfaces.

Secondly, avoid using solvent-based paints or stripping old paintwork while pregnant. Solvent-based paints and older paints may contain traces of lead, which can be harmful. If you need to paint, consider using water-based paints instead and ensure the room is well-ventilated. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves, long trousers, a face mask, a long-sleeved top, and goggles. Avoid eating or drinking in the room you are painting, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when you have finished.

Thirdly, be cautious when using cleaning products. Never mix cleaning products, as this can produce harmful fumes. If you need to use products that may release chemicals into the air, wear a face covering and ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Finally, if you or anyone in your household smokes, it is important to quit. Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of obstetric issues and negative consequences for the unborn child. If you are unable to quit, ensure that smoking only takes place outdoors and ask smokers to change their clothing before entering the house.

Frequently asked questions