Bad Air Quality and Pregnancy

There are many steps of planning that come with pregnancy, each just as important as the last. While preparing the nursery, stocking up on diapers, and planning out schedules are all important, there are other preparations that are even more crucial. Do all you can to ensure the health of your new baby. Poor air quality can have an impact on how your child develops and should be taken seriously, especially for those who live in an area where the air quality is often less than healthy.

 

The Dangers

When you are exposed to poor air quality, it will affect more than just your own health. Moms will find an increased risk of health in their child and behavioral problems when they were exposed to pollutants in the air while pregnant.

 

High blood pressure is an all too common condition that can lead to heart disease. This occurs when the blood is high against the walls of your arteries, causing problems. This is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps in comparison with the amount of resistance of flowing blood in your arteries. Studies have found that being exposed to bad air can result in hypertension throughout pregnancy. This will not only affect your own health, but has the potential to deliver lifelong health consequences to your child.

 

Your child doesn’t have to suffer because of the bad air. While the winter is when the air is at its worst, damage can still be done in the summer. Take the steps necessary to protect your unborn child against the pollutants in the air.

 

Avoiding Poor Air Quality

Even if you live in a big city, there are ways to improve the quality of air you are breathing. Follow these steps even when you aren’t pregnant to improve your health all around:

• Stay at home or indoors in the times of the worst air quality. The news will release statements saying when a particular day will include poor air quality. During this time try to avoid driving, instead spending as much time inside as possible.

• Continuing your exercise routine while pregnant is important, but where you do so should be carefully considered. Don’t exercise near busy roads, instead choosing to go for quieter areas.

• Check your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks. You should already have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Be vigilant when it comes to maintaining this protection.

• Keep the filter of your HVAC system clean and maintained. This should be checked and changed on a regular basis to keep pollutants from entering your home.

Don’t let your pregnancy be harmed by preventable factors. Do all you can to reduce the amount of pollutants you breathe. This will be beneficial not only to your health, but the wellbeing of your baby as well.