How Does Air Pollution Affect Pregnant Women and Fetuses?
Pregnant women exposed to higher levels of air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are at an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These include preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, can be compromised by these pollutants, leading to insufficient fetal development.
