Delhi’s air pollution is taking a toll on the health of pregnant women

Air Pollution: Pregnant women in Delhi face increasing health risks as the city’s air quality continues to deteriorate, leading to anxiety, depression, and physical complications. Days after Diwali, Delhi’s air quality slipped to the “hazardous” category as several parts of the city recorded an AQI of more than 500. This deterioration in air quality is largely attributed to the extensive use of firecrackers during Diwali, which leads to a significant increase in particulate matter and other pollutants.

Nazia Khan, a resident of Rohini Sector 5, said, “It is getting very difficult for me to breathe in this air. It feels like I’m inhaling poison.”

“I am eight months pregnant and my baby is due next month. I am worried for my unborn child’s health as the air pollution will affect my baby’s health. It is getting difficult for us to stay in Delhi as the water and air, everything is polluted here,” she said.

“If we had a chance or money to relocate, we would have done it. But, keeping our financial condition in view, we are compelled to live in this gas chamber,” Nazia added.

Ayushi Sharma, a resident of Karkardooma, whose baby is due in another five months, informed that following the rising air pollution in the national capital, she started having breathing difficulties.

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“The doctors have advised me to stay indoors as these respiratory issues, which I am currently facing, are due to the air pollution and it will also affect the health of the baby. I feel a lot of anxiety when I think about the adverse effects of this deadly air pollution on my unborn child,” she said.

“I have to restrict myself from going out. I have to stay within these four walls for the whole day in order to cut my exposure to the air pollution. I enjoyed socialising, but now I am locked in my own house, it feels like a prison. I am really depressed by this situation. The government should find a concrete solution to this problem. I don’t want my newborn child to breathe this polluted air in his or her first breath.”

Deepti Singh, who lives in Mayur Vihar Phase 2, said that her mental condition is deteriorating with each passing day, worrying about the worsening air quality’s impact on her unborn baby.

“I am reeling with depression. I am not able to sleep at night, I am not able to eat properly, thinking about the fact that my baby will be born in this poisonous environment,” Deepti said.

“I am worried about my delivery because the doctors said that air pollution can cause complications during pregnancy. They advised me to stay indoors to keep myself and my baby safe, but I can’t stop worrying about the complications,” she added.

Dr Arpana Jain, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, shared the adverse effects of air pollution on the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies.

“Air pollution has become a major public health concern, especially in highly polluted cities like Delhi. For pregnant women, air pollution poses unique and critical health risks, not only affecting their own well-being but also impacting the health and development of their unborn babies,” Dr Jain said.

She further added that one of the primary concerns for pregnant women in Delhi is the risk to respiratory health. She explained that pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide can lead to or worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and shortness of breath. These respiratory problems, she said, can place extra strain on a pregnant woman’s body, potentially limiting oxygen flow to the fetus, which is crucial for healthy growth and development.

“Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can also negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. Research has shown that pregnant women exposed to air pollution have a greater risk of preeclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure that can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if left untreated,” Dr Jain said.

She added that pollution exposure is also associated with an increased likelihood of preterm birth, which can have long-term developmental consequences for the child. Additionally, exposure to certain pollutants has been linked to gestational diabetes, which requires careful management to avoid health complications for both the mother and baby.

“Air pollution can also affect maternal health in other ways, with potential long-term implications. For example, regular exposure to pollutants may increase inflammation in the body, which can interfere with the immune system and lead to adverse effects. The stress of pollution-related inflammation could affect the health of the placenta, reducing nutrient flow to the baby and resulting in conditions like low birth weight,” she said.

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“There is also growing evidence that pollution can impact fetal development directly. Studies have shown links between high pollution exposure during pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects and low birth weight. Low birth weight is a concern because it can lead to further developmental issues, including a higher likelihood of childhood illnesses, allergies, and even cognitive challenges. Some research also suggests that prenatal exposure to pollution may contribute to an increased risk of respiratory issues like asthma in childhood, due to early changes in lung development,” she claimed.

“For pregnant women in heavily polluted areas, there are steps they can take to minimise these risks. Monitoring air quality indices and adjusting daily routines is essential. For example, staying indoors on days when pollution levels are particularly high, especially in the early morning and late evening when pollutant concentrations tend to peak, can be beneficial. Using high-quality air purifiers indoors can also help reduce exposure to pollutants. Wearing N95 masks, which filter out many harmful airborne particles, can provide additional protection when going outside is necessary,” Dr Jain listed the precautions pregnant women should take.

“As healthcare providers, we often adjust our care recommendations based on air quality in the region where a pregnant woman lives. For instance, pregnant women in highly polluted areas may benefit from additional check-ups to monitor blood pressure, respiratory function, and the baby’s growth. Early detection and management of any complications can make a substantial difference,” she said.