Air Pollution in Pregnancy

POLLUTION CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO AREAS:

Outdoor pollution which many understand and know about, and indoor pollution can also have negative effects on our health. In addition, skincare and cosmetics are another area where chemicals may affect a pregnancy.

Since 2018 we have had clear evidence from a study performed in London that air pollution reaches the placenta. Researchers found small black particles of carbon from air breathed in by the mother at the placenta. This showed us that particles can move from the lung through the bloodstream to the placenta. The biggest threat was posed by a group of chemicals called TRAP (Traffic and Air pollution) which includes particulate matter, nitrous oxide, ozone, chemical fumes and vehicle emissions. These chemicals can lead to a change in the metabolic and physiological profile of the mum and baby leading to poorer pregnancy outcomes. Air pollution exposure has been linked to pre-eclampsia, preterm labour and growth effects of the baby. The WHO estimates that over 70 percent of towns and cities in the UK have unsafe levels and in 2022 the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists called on the government to set cleaner air targets to protect the health of our future generations.

Indoor pollution includes volatile compounds known as VOCs. Being volatile means, they can turn into a gas which can be breathed in. Unfortunately, these compounds can also reach the placenta once breathed in. We can make some lifestyle changes to limit the VOCs we are exposed to.

VOCs includes:

• Washing detergents and conditioners

• Cleaning agents and carpet cleaners

• Furniture polish

• Air fresheners

• Paint and paint strippers

• Varnishes and glues

Look out for a globe symbol on packing which tells you what levels of VOCs are present and consider switching to natural products to clean the house. Traditional methods such as lemon water, cider vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are great at getting even deep-seated dirt and stains out.

Also consider the impact of tobacco smoke, log fires, incense sticks and candles as there also emit chemicals which can be harmful to the lungs and pass the through to the placenta. For scented rooms try wax melts or put a few drops of an essential oil in a bowl of hot water to diffuse slowly into the air.

WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN WE MAKE?

Most of us cannot change our environment but a few steps can make a difference. Avoid walking next to busy roads and streets. Consider using an air purifier or buying charcoal air purifier bags which can absorb harmful chemicals from the air inside your home as well as getting rid of smells. Change the way you clean your home to organic and natural methods.

Nutritional goals may be a way to offset these effects of pollution. Eating foods which are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants helps to guard against cell damage and promote cell repair. Taking targeted supplements such as choline and folic acid are also important in protected against environmental changes. The brain and behaviour research foundation in the USA received a prize for their work showing that choline supplementation had a protective effect on infant brain development. The recommended dosage is 450-550mg a day – follow us @purermama on Instagram for more information or check out our science on www.purermama.co.uk

Foods rich in Antioxidants:

• Dark chocolate

• Pecan nuts

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Artichokes

• Goji berries

• Raspberries

• Kale

• Red cabbage

• Beans

• Beetroot

• Spinach

• Pomegranate

• Green tea

• Match tea https://www.bbrfoundation.org/content/ higher-maternal-choline-levels-pregnancy-hadprotective-role-infant-brain-development https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/ask-a-midwife/air-pollutionand-pregnancy

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