How does air pollution affect me as an expectant mother?

Even before your children are born, air pollution can already be affecting them.

There is a link between being exposed to high levels of air pollution and low birth weight in babies, and it can lead to premature birth or pregnancy loss. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can also affect the lung function development of your baby.

Air pollution also continues to affect your own health while you are pregnant as well. Air pollution increases the risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and diabetes during pregnancy. Air pollution has also been linked with maternal depressive symptoms, particularly in Black women.

Lots of mums find that they do things differently when they are pregnant. Some people get tired more easily and might therefore drive more often or take more taxis. This can increase your exposure to air pollution, particularly in busy traffic or older vehicles. 

Air pollution has impacts even before conception, effecting both male and female fertility and reproduction.