Pregnancy
Air pollution in pregnancy is linked to low birth weight and preterm birth. Practical, low-effort steps reduce exposure for parent and baby.
Research links higher PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy with lower birth weight and preterm birth, among other effects. Reducing exposure, especially over the long winter season, is worthwhile.
What helps most
- Sleep in the clean room. A properly sized HEPA purifier running all night in a closed bedroom covers a third of every day. See make one clean room.
- Keep the home smoke-free: no smoking by anyone in the household, no incense or mosquito coils, exhaust on while cooking.
- Fewer, shorter trips on Poor or worse days, away from heavy traffic. Car windows up, recirculation on.
- Exercise indoors in a filtered room on bad days. Staying active in pregnancy is still important.
- Antenatal care as normal. Don’t skip appointments because of pollution.
Masks in pregnancy
Advice differs slightly between agencies. US CDC suggests a NIOSH N95 for necessary trips, while US EPA and WHO Europe advise asking your doctor before using a respirator in pregnancy, because respirators add some breathing effort. Breathing gets harder as pregnancy progresses. If you use one, keep trips short, and remove it if you feel breathless or light-headed.
Get help
Contact your maternity team for worsening breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, or any pregnancy warning signs. In an emergency, call 112.