The link between pregnancy, air pollution, and autism

Pregnancy is a very intricate stage in a woman’s life. Every food or drink the pregnant woman takes, for instance, must be checked first with the ob-gyn to ensure if it’s safe for the unborn child.

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It is this intricacy that continuously inspires researchers to further study the effects of nature to pregnant women and their babies. Such is the case with the scholars at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, who strived to uncover if expectant mothers’ exposure to pollutants really increase their children’s risks of developing autism.

After studying more than 116,000 women then focusing on the 325 whose children developed symptoms of autism, the researchers found that the presence of pollutants such as diesel particulates, lead, manganese, mercury, and methylene chloride can really endanger one’s pregnancy.

The researchers deduced that the women who lived in areas with high levels of diesel or mercury air pollution were two times more likely to have autistic children compared to those living in places with low levels of the same pollutants.

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Furthermore, female residents in locations with the highest levels—as of the areas researched—of other pollutants like lead, manganese, methylene chloride, and other combined metals, were 50 percent more likely to give birth to children with autism compared to those living in areas with the least exposure.

While it still needs additional examination, the study can be considered as a turning point, given that it is the first national research focused on uncovering the possible link between pollution, pregnancy, and autism.  

For more information about the study, read this article. Meanwhile, for further discussions on pregnancy and women’s health, visit this Cristian Andronic Facebook page.

REPOST: Body Image: Loving Your Body Before, During, and After Your Pregnancy

Why do women have to feel good about their body before and after pregnancy? This AmericanPregnancy.org article provides the details.

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According to Ann Douglas, author of The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby, “A woman who feels good about herself will celebrate the changes that her body experiences during pregnancy, look forward to the challenge of giving birth, and willingly accept the physical and emotional changes of the postpartum period.” Her body image is important to her.

Loving Your Body Image Even Before You Are Pregnant:

Loving your body image before pregnancy can help you get through the physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. Having a positive body image of yourself is not about what you look like, but how you feel about yourself. This is crucial in pregnancy since there will be body changes that you cannot control. It is also helpful to understand why your body is going through these changes.

Loving Your Body Image When You Are Pregnant:

Knowing that your body’s changes are essential to your developing baby is reason enough to embrace these changes and SMILE!



Image Source: Americanpregnancy.org

Understanding what your body is doing for your baby:

As soon as your egg is fertilized and implanted in your uterus, your body begins to go through changes. These changes are a result of your baby’s growth and development. Your baby has a fetal life-support system that consists of the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic sac. The placenta produces hormones that are necessary to support a healthy pregnancy and baby. These hormones help prepare your breasts for lactation and are responsible for many changes in your body.

You will have an increase in blood circulation that is needed to supply the placenta. This increase in blood is responsible for that wonderful “pregnancy glow” that you may have.

Your metabolism will increase, so you may have food cravings and the desire to eat more. Your body is requiring more nutrients to feed both you and your baby.

Your uterus will enlarge and the amniotic sac (your baby’s home) will be filled with amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid is there to protect your baby from any bumps or falls.

Here are a few things you can do to love your body image during pregnancy:

Exercise:

Exercise during pregnancy can help you feel fit, strong, and sexy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women are encouraged to exercise at least 30 minutes a day throughout pregnancy, unless your health care provider instructs differently.

Before starting any exercise program ALWAYS check with your health care provider.

For more information on exercise throughout pregnancy, check out the Nutrition & Exercise section.

Pamper yourself:

Treat yourself to a body massage or a makeover. Go shopping! What better excuse to go shopping. There are cute and even sophisticated maternity clothes to buy. This is your time to shine. Make the most of these wonderful 9 months.

Have a good support network:

It is a good idea to surround yourself with positive people. During your pregnancy you can be more vulnerable to negative self-talk and it can affect you in a negative way. If you are feeling that you are not getting the support you need, share that with those around you.

Loving Your Body After Pregnancy:

After your baby is born your body has to adjust and return to a non-pregnant body. Your uterus will need time to shrink, so don’t expect a flat belly after your delivery. Remember, your body has been through a lot in giving birth and needs time to recuperate. Give yourself some time to rest and catch up on some sleep. It’s ok to ask your family and friends for help with the baby so you can catch some zzzz’s.

Exercise can also help you get your pre-pregnancy body back. Join a gym that offers childcare or load up your stroller and walk through the neighborhood. This will also help get you out of the house so you can feel refreshed.


Dr. Cristian Andronic is well-versed in all aspects of of general gynecology and obstetrics. More about him and other pregnancy-related articles can be found on this site.