Exposure to air pollution in early pregnancy linked to miscarriage

Exposure to air pollution in early pregnancy linked to miscarriage

The adverse effects of air pollution on the lungs and heart are well-known and often spoken about.

Exposure to the toxic pollutants in the air can affect even the reproduction system.

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has suggested that exposure to common air pollutants, such as ozone and fine particles, may increase the risk of early pregnancy loss.

The study published online November 16, 2017 in the journal Fertility and Sterility examined the effect of the exposure to ozone in 501 couples based on pollution levels in their residential communities. Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that is a primary constituent of urban smog.

• Ninety-seven (28%) of the 343 couples who achieved pregnancy experienced an early pregnancy loss before 18 weeks.
• Couples with higher exposure to ozone had a 12% greater risk of suffering an early pregnancy loss.
• Couples exposed to particulate matter were 13% more likely to experience a loss.

Although the cause of pregnancy loss is not well understood, impaired fetal development due to increased inflammation of the placenta and oxidative stress has been suggested as a possible factor. Based on the findings of the study, pregnant women are advised to curtail outdoors activity when pollution levels are high and the air quality is of hazardous level.

(Source: NIH, November 16, 2017)

Endometriosis may cause complications during pregnancy

Endometriosis may cause complications during pregnancy The disease has symptoms which can be confused with other conditions New Delhi, 22 September 2017: Endometriosis in pregnant women can cause many complications during pregnancy and delivery, including preterm birth and cesarean section. The findings come from a recently conducted study, which also indicates that such women should be closely monitored during the course of their pregnancy for any complications. Endometriosis can cause problems such as inflammation of the endometrium and inhibit the action of progesterone during implantation and throughout the pregnancy, as per the IMA. Endometriosis is a painful condition in which the tissue lining the inside of the uterus, grows outside it. It is estimated to affect about 10% to 15% of the women in the reproductive age. The condition mostly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis; but can spread beyond the pelvic organs as well. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Although there has been much progress on various issues related to women’s health, endometriosis is a condition marred by lack of awareness in the country. In this condition, displaced endometrial tissue has no way to exit the body and becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, it can cause formation of cysts. This can lead to an irritation in the surrounding tissue and eventually scar tissue and adhesions. Endometriosis can be mistaken for other conditions that can cause pelvic pain. Some of these include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ovarian cysts and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, in some cases endometriosis may be accompanied by IBS, which can complicate the diagnosis.” While the primary symptom of this condition is increased pelvic pain associated with menstruation, the other symptoms include pain during intercourse and bowel movement, excessive bleeding, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual period. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Healthy diet and physical activity improve immunity which in turn can help reduce inflammation to some extent. It is imperative to look for heart disease in women with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are known to have systemic, chronic inflammation, an atherogenic lipid profile, heightened oxidative stress and several overlapping risk factors for cardiovascular disease.” The upcoming Perfect Health Mela being organized by HCFI, to be held from 4th to 8th October 2017 at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi will provide a platform to discuss many of these health issues. IMA is the knowledge partner for the event. It is a must visit for those interested in learning more about preventive health and well-being. The Mela will also have free health camps for checking various health parameters. Here are some tips to prevent the risk of endometriosis in women. • Hormonal birth control methods such as pills, patches or rings with lower doses of estrogen can help in preventing this condition. • It is good to indulge in regular exercise regularly. This will help in reducing body fat and decrease the amount of estrogen circulating through the body. • Avoid over consumption of alcohol as it can cause an increase in estrogen levels. Women should limit alcohol intake to one drink per day. • Avoid large amount of drinks with caffeine as more than one caffeinated drink a day, especially sodas and green tea, can raise estrogen levels.

Zika a concern, can cause birth defects anytime during pregnancy

Zika a concern, can cause birth defects anytime during pregnancy Three confirmed cases in India so far New Delhi, 12 June 2017: According to statistics, three confirmed cases of Zika have occurred in India with the most recent one in January this year. In light of this, the IMA has urged to treat Zika as a concern during pregnancy and called for raising awareness on how to avoid contracting the disease. India saw the first Zika case in November 2016 when a 34-year-old woman who had just given birth to a healthy child came down with a fever. Tests confirmed that she was infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Epidemiology indicates that for everyone positive case there are 200 subclinical cases. A recent report has revealed that all pregnant women could see birth defects if infected with the Zika virus at any time. Of this, about 5% to 8% women infected during their first trimester, 5% during the second trimester, and about 4% infected in the third trimester had babies with Zika-related birth defects. This is proof of the fact that the virus remains dangerous throughout a woman’s pregnancy. Speaking on this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "The environment in India is ripe for Zika due to the preponderance of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The post-monsoon months when mosquitoes swarm, particularly in slum areas where there is standing water and accumulating trash, can produce many more infections. The risk of defects is slightly higher if the infection is contracted earlier in pregnancy. However, many women are not even aware of being infected until after they deliver a baby. This is because there may be no apparent rashes or signs of a clinical illness. It is also a fact that no one outside the government was aware of the three cases in India until after the WHO announced receipt of reports about them from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This points to the fact that there is a need to create awareness on the virus and its effects on the health of the person affected." Two of the three people who tested positive in Ahmedabad were women, and both gave birth to healthy babies. About 40,000 samples have been tested across the country for Zika since July last year. Apart from the three reported cases in Ahmedabad, none were positive. However, the tests would detect recent active infections and not past exposure that could convey immunity. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Some of the complications in babies infected with Zika virus are congenital brain abnormalities including microcephaly. There is no vaccination available till now for this infection. Few questions that need to be asked right now include: Should all women in pregnancy before 20 weeks get Zika antibody tested? Shouldn’t microcephaly be a notifiable disease now? There is a need to alert all concerned authorities and spread awareness on this disease." Zika virus disease is usually mild and requires no specific treatment. The infected person should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. Pregnant women should wear clothes that cover their arms and legs so as to avoid getting a mosquito bite.