Can Maternal Exposure to Toxic Air During Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Premature Birth?
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Synopsis
A recent study reveals that exposure to tiny particles from air pollution during pregnancy can disrupt maternal metabolism and raise the risk of premature births. Discover how understanding these pathways could lead to effective interventions for healthier pregnancies.
Key Takeaways
- Air pollution can disrupt maternal metabolism during pregnancy.
- Altered biological pathways are linked to an increased risk of premature birth.
- Around 10 percent of preterm births globally are due to PM2.5 exposure.
- Identified substances like cortexolone and lysoPE may trigger premature labor.
- Understanding these mechanisms could lead to effective interventions.
New Delhi, June 4 (NationPress) Exposure to fine particulate matter in air pollution during pregnancy can significantly disrupt maternal metabolism, thereby altering crucial biological pathways, a recent study reveals. Researchers from Emory University indicated that these alterations are linked to an increased risk of several adverse birth outcomes, including premature birth.
Preterm births are associated with complications such as cerebral palsy, respiratory distress syndrome, and long-term risks of noncommunicable diseases. Additionally, births occurring earlier than the typical term (37-39 weeks of gestation) are correlated with higher neonatal morbidity and developmental challenges.
Notably, around 10 percent of global preterm births can be traced back to exposure to PM2.5 pollutants.
Lead author Donghai Liang, an associate professor of environmental health at the Rollins School of Public Health, stated, "The relationship between air pollution and preterm birth has been well documented, but this study provides the first detailed analysis of specific fine particulate matter and its connection to increased risks of adverse birth outcomes."
Liang emphasized the importance of understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind these phenomena to develop effective interventions.
The research involved blood samples from 330 pregnant participants, identifying two specific substances—cortexolone and lysoPE—which play a role in the connection between short-term air pollution exposure and the heightened risk of premature births, offering insights into the mechanisms triggering premature labor.
Disruptions in protein digestion and absorption, essential for fetal development and immune function, were highlighted as potential links between air pollution and premature births, paving the way for new prevention strategies.
Among the 330 women in the study, 66 (20 percent) experienced preterm deliveries, and 54 (16.4 percent) had early-term deliveries, both rates notably higher than the average in the US population.
The researchers stressed the necessity of understanding the pathways and molecules affected by pollution. "In the future, targeting these molecules could lead to effective strategies or clinical interventions that mitigate these adverse health impacts," Liang concluded.
Point of View
I believe this study sheds light on a critical public health issue. The correlation between air pollution and premature birth is alarming, and addressing this challenge is imperative for safeguarding maternal and infant health across the nation.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks associated with premature birth?
Premature birth can lead to numerous complications, including cerebral palsy, respiratory distress syndrome, and increased long-term risks for noncommunicable diseases.
How does air pollution affect pregnant women?
Air pollution exposure during pregnancy can disrupt maternal metabolism and biological pathways, increasing the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including premature births.
What specific pollutants were identified in the study?
The study identified cortexolone and lysoPE as substances linked to short-term air pollution exposure and an elevated risk of premature labor.
What percentage of preterm births are attributed to PM2.5 exposure?
Approximately 10 percent of global preterm births are attributable to PM2.5 exposure.
What measures can be taken to reduce the impact of air pollution on pregnancy?
Understanding the pathways affected by air pollution can help develop effective strategies or clinical interventions aimed at reducing adverse health effects for pregnant women.
