Influence of environmental contamination on pregnancy outcomes

Abstract

This study aims to compare pregnancy outcomes in four contaminated areas to those observed in a non-contaminated area of similar socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was administered to population-based samples of 788-920 families in each of the five studied areas. The exposure assessment used was an ecological measure. Using logistic regression, odds of several pregnancies outcomes (pregnancy occurrence, miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, congenital malformation, and multiple births) were estimated after adjustment for potential confounders such as socioeconomic, demographic, and substance abuse factors. We adopted a statistical significance level of 5 %. In three of the four exposed areas, pregnancy occurrence was reduced in comparison to the control area (Area 2, odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95 % CI = 0.54-0.86; Area 3, OR = 0.76, 95 % CI = 0.60-0.97; Area 4, OR = 0.71, 95 % CI = 0.56-0.90). Also, a significantly increased odds of miscarriage for living in Area 3 (OR = 1.83, 95 % CI = 1.07-3.12) was found. The other pregnancy outcomes were not significantly elevated in the exposed areas. In conclusion, this study shows evidence of reduced pregnancy occurrence and increased miscarriage occurrence in some of the contaminated areas, compared to the control area.

Gestational nanomaterial exposures: microvascular implications during pregnancy, fetal development and adulthood

“…Overall nanoparticle exposure prior to implantation leads to decreased fetal viability across species. These findings are comparable to epidemiological evidence of reduced fertility, decreased pregnancy occurrence and increased miscarriage rates in environmentally polluted areas (Frutos et al 2015;Guimaraes et al 2015), stressing the need for regulation of nanoparticles for those either trying to get pregnant or in the early stages of pregnancy.…”

“…; Guimaraes et al . ), stressing the need for regulation of nanoparticles for those either trying to get pregnant or in the early stages of pregnancy.…”

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy and spontaneous abortion and stillbirth

“…Seventeen studies focused on spontaneous abortion (Table 2), four of which focused on occupational exposures and spontaneous abortion (Table 3), and 22 studies focused on stillbirth (Table 4). Four studies investigated both spontaneous abortion and stillbirth as the outcome (27,29,30,32).…”

Air Pollution and Health: Ever Widening Spectrum

“…The direct effect of air pollution on respiratory health and precipitation of acute cardiovascular events in vulnerable group are well documented, but evidence is emerging that incriminates the role of air pollution in undesirable outcome of pregnancies for the mother as well as the child. Air pollution is emerging as a risk factor among women for reduced pregnancy occurrence and miscarriage [3], and also the newborn for low birth weight, preterm birth and congenital anomalies [4,5]. Neurological disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and degenerative disorders also enlist air pollution as risk factors [6].…”