{"id":303,"date":"2020-03-20T09:30:25","date_gmt":"2020-03-20T09:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalheatingcooling.us\/blog\/?p=303"},"modified":"2020-07-13T11:54:55","modified_gmt":"2020-07-13T11:54:55","slug":"pregnancy-and-indoor-air-quality-is-there-a-link","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalheatingcooling.us\/blog\/2020\/03\/20\/pregnancy-and-indoor-air-quality-is-there-a-link\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy and Indoor Air Quality: Is There a Link?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pregnancy is an exciting time when parents ponder over their lives and reflect upon their routine habits. They educate themselves and make healthy changes in their lives for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

But there is one major thing that most expectant parents don\u2019t take into consideration: the effect of air contaminants on their to-be-born baby\u2019s health.<\/p>\n

Common air toxicants include ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, as revealed by the American Lung Association<\/a>. Recent studies<\/a> have shown that these air contaminants can have a significant impact on the health of both the baby and the mother. And since most people stay 90 percent<\/a> of the time indoors, pregnant parents need to ensure excellent indoor air quality.<\/p>\n

They need to make sure that every component of their HVAC system, including the furnace<\/a>, the air conditioner<\/a>, vents, air filters, dehumidifiers<\/a>, heat pumps<\/a>, and others are adequately maintained and repaired on time.<\/p>\n

Ahead, we\u2019ve explained how indoor air quality affects expectant moms and baby births.<\/p>\n

Under-Weight Baby Birth<\/h2>\n

A healthy baby\u2019s weight right after pregnancy should be somewhere between 6 and 9 pounds. If the baby weighs 5 pounds, eight ounces (2,500 grams) or less, it\u2019s considered underweight. According to the Centers for Disease Control\u00a0(CDC), nearly 8 percent of babies<\/a> are born underweight in the United States.<\/p>\n

Several research studies have found a connection between air pollution and low birth weight. According to a study conducted in Los Angeles, expectant moms who lived in polluted areas gave birth to underweight babies with an average weight of 0.69 pounds<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Premature Birth<\/h2>\n

\"Premature<\/p>\n

If the birth takes place before the beginning of the 37th<\/sup> week of pregnancy, it is a premature birth. Babies born prematurely run a higher risk of developing permanent neurological disabilities<\/a> and physical impairments, as well as respiratory disorders, heart problems, weak immune system, heat intolerance, immature digestive tract, and impaired vision.<\/p>\n

Preterm birth can take place for many medical reasons; however, researches have also found strong links between air pollution and premature birth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to astudy conducted by the\u00a0Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)<\/a><\/strong>, 18 percent of the 2.7 million premature births in 2010 happened because mothers were excessively exposed to particulate matter in the air. Another 2013 study<\/a> of Sweden showed a link between ozone exposure during the first trimester and premature birth.<\/p>\n

Risk of Miscarriage and Infertility<\/h2>\n

A 2018 review research<\/a> revealed that women who were exposed to air pollution ran a higher risk of infertility. Another study found that infertility rates in Northern California decreased<\/a> after eight coal and oil-burning plants were shut down. The researchers found that it was due to the lower levels of nitrogen oxide (NO) and particulate matter in the air.<\/p>\n

A lot of research work has also been done to find the link between poor air quality and miscarriages. Studies have found<\/a> that exposure to excessive air contaminants, even for a short period could lead to pregnancy loss or miscarriage.<\/p>\n

Protect your health and your to-be-born baby\u2019s wellbeing by regular maintenance and inspection, and timely repairs and replacements of your HVAC system. For reliable hvac contractor Chicago<\/a>, you can get in touch<\/a> with Global Heating and Cooling<\/a> in Chicago. By hiring our experts, you can rest assured<\/a> that all your HVAC needs will be taken care of on time.<\/p>\n

For more information about our services, call us at (773) 801-3734.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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