Listen to Story 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. 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.
(Photo: Reuters) 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 asthm.