The air quality in Delhi is in the ‘very poor’ category with an average AQI of 360 this morning. Nehru Nagar recorded AQI at 431, New Moti Bagh at 411 and Bhawana at 409. On Friday, the AQI had reached 390 at 10 am, 387 by noon, and settled at 382 by 3 pm, which increased the concerns of the residents and health officials.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution is “contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.” AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, 51-100 is “satisfactory”, 101-200 is “moderate”, 201-300 is “poor”, 301-400 is “very poor”, 401-500 is “severe” and above 500 is a “severe plus”.

Air pollution can impact one’s health severely and this threat looms large on unborn children as well. Air pollution can affect foetuses as well. Here, take a look at how poor air quality impacts foetal health and development.

Exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and nitrogen dioxide during pregnancy can affect oxygen and nutrient delivery to the foetus, thereby, slowing growth and potentially leading to low birth weight. Low birth weight is linked to several health complications, including weakened immune function and developmental issues.

Air pollution is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress which might increase the risk of premature labour. Studies have found that exposure to high pollution levels, especially during the later stages of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth. Babies born prematurely have a higher risk of respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological issues.

Pollutants like carbon monoxide and heavy metals can cross the placenta and impact foetal development, thereby, increasing the risk of congenital abnormalities. Prolonged exposure to high pollution levels is linked with increased rates of birth defects.

Prenatal exposure to pollution is linked to respiratory issues in children such as asthma and poor lung function. Children exposed to pollution in the uterus may have impaired lung growth, thereby, making them more susceptible to respiratory diseases.

Fine particles in polluted air can cross the placenta and reach the foetus, thereby, impacting brain development. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and cognitive impairments.

Air pollution can also disrupt the immune system and hormone levels of the mother which eventually impacts the immune development of the foetus. This can increase a child’s risk of developing allergies, metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases.

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