Air pollution exposure in early pregnancy linked to miscarriage, study suggests

pregnancy
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Exposure to common air pollutants, such as ozone and fine particles, may increase the risk of early pregnancy loss, according to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health. The study appears in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that is a primary constituent of urban smog. Researchers followed 501 couples attempting to conceive between 2005 and 2009 in Michigan and Texas. The investigators estimated the couples' exposures to based on pollution levels in their . Of the 343 couples who achieved pregnancy, 97 (28 percent) experienced an early pregnancy loss—all before 18 weeks. Couples with higher exposure to ozone were 12 percent more likely to experience an early pregnancy loss, whereas exposed to particulate matter (small particles and droplets in the air) were 13 percent more likely to experience a loss.

The researchers do not know why exposure to air pollutants might cause pregnancy loss, but it could be related to increased inflammation of the placenta and oxidative stress, which can impair fetal development. The findings suggest that pregnant women may want to consider avoiding outdoor activity during air quality alerts, but more research is needed to confirm this association.

More information: Sandie Ha et al. Ambient air pollution and the risk of pregnancy loss: a prospective cohort study, Fertility and Sterility (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.037

Journal information: Fertility and Sterility
Citation: Air pollution exposure in early pregnancy linked to miscarriage, study suggests (2017, November 17) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-11-air-pollution-exposure-early-pregnancy.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Breathing dirty air may raise miscarriage risk

1 shares

Feedback to editors