Prolonged Exposure to Delhi Pollution Threatening Foetal Development and Reproductive Health of Women: Study

The hazardous air quality poses significant respiratory risks, increasing the likelihood of complications such as asthma and bronchitis. However, it's not just respiratory health that is affected, experts have warned that breathing polluted air can significantly hurt reproductive health, particularly for pregnant women.

The delicate particulate matter in the air has potential repercussions on fetal development, contributing to issues like low birth weight and preterm birth. Furthermore, constant exposure to pollution heightens stress and anxiety levels, impacting the mental well-being of pregnant women. As their immune systems become compromised, the risk of infections during pregnancy rises.

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives showed that certain pollutants can negatively alter anogenital distance, a measure of prenatal exposure to hormones. Researchers suggest that air pollution can interfere with normal hormone activity during critical periods of prenatal and early infant development, which may have long-term consequences for reproductive health.

To mitigate the impact of air pollution, experts suggest limiting outdoor activities during times when air pollution levels are highest, focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management to support overall health, and engaging in activities like prenatal yoga and meditation for stress relief. Consider wearing masks in highly polluted areas to protect your fertility. Awareness, precaution, and timely interventions are our allies in the fight for reproductive well-being.

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The above article has been published from a wire agency with minimal modifications to the headline and text.