Influence of Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Air Pollution on Fetal Growth: A Prospective Study.
Meiman Maggie ChenHsin-Yuan ChenChi-Pin YuanYen-Chi LiaoSu-Er GuoPublished in: International journal of environmental research and public health (2020)
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Few studies have evaluated the influences of air quality, including environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and particulate matter (PM), on fetal development, which this study examined. This longitudinal correlation study used multiple linear regression data analysis of PM2.5/PM10, self-reported ETS exposure, urinary cotinine level, maternal characteristics, and birth parameters (gestational week, body weight, body length, head, and chest circumferences) with the effect of air quality on fetal growth. The study included 74 pregnant women (mean age 31.9 ± 4.2 years, body mass index 23.6 ± 3.8 kg/m2, average gestational duration 38.5 ± 0.8 weeks). ETS exposure decreased birth length by ≥1 cm, and potentially is an independent risk factor for fetal growth restriction, and pregnant women should avoid indoor and outdoor ETS. However, neither PM2.5/PM10 nor ETS was associated with low birth weight or small for gestational age. This study adds to the evidence base that ETS exposure of nonsmoking pregnant women affects the fetal birth length. Family members should refrain from smoking near expectant mothers, although smoking in the vicinity of their residential surroundings potentially exposes mothers and their fetuses to ETS. Public pollution and childbirth education classes should include details of indoor ETS.
Keyphrases
- air pollution
- particulate matter
- pregnant women
- pregnancy outcomes
- gestational age
- transcription factor
- birth weight
- lung function
- body mass index
- healthcare
- heavy metals
- preterm birth
- weight gain
- low birth weight
- emergency department
- mental health
- risk assessment
- randomized controlled trial
- physical activity
- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- quality improvement
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- human milk
- optical coherence tomography