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. 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.

High air pollution is linked to low birth weight and can lead to premature birth and pregnancy loss
- WHO, Effects of air pollution on children’s health and development, 2005
- Ambient air pollution and pregnancy outcomes: A comprehensive review and identification of environmental public health challenges, Nov 2018
- Acute effects of air pollutants on spontaneous pregnancy loss: a case-crossover study, Feb 2019