The air we breathe is polluted with a wide variety of pollutants that can have serious consequences on our health. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, stroke, asthma, and other illnesses in adults and children. But, have you ever wondered is an unborn child safe in its mother's womb? Stay with us to know how can air pollution create health issues in unborn children, neonates, and infants? How Can Air Pollution Affect a Foetus in a Mother's Womb? Air pollution has been shown to have a negative effect on both the unborn child and their mother. Air pollution can cause birth defects, decrease IQ levels in children, increase asthma rates, and increase the risk of death in both the mother and child. The effects of air pollution are serious, and it is important that pregnant women and their families be aware of the dangers it poses to their health. Stillbirth Stillbirth refers to a baby's death in late pregnancy weeks after 20 weeks. Stillbirth can occur at any time during the pregnancy but is most common in the third trimester. A study in 2018 found that there is a correlation between stillbirth and air pollution. Read How Can One Person Reduce Environmental Pollution? Low Birth Weight Air pollution is a major global health threat, and it's having a profound impact on birth weight in children. Several studies found that air pollutants adversely affect to baby's birth weight. Also, due to air pollution, a baby's birth weight might drop to less than 2500 grams. So, babies born to mothers who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to be born prematurely or with low birth weight. Low birth weight can lead to health problems later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. In order to reduce the number of low birth weights, it is important for pregnant women to stay informed about the dangers of air pollution and to take steps to reduce their exposure. Lung Development Issues Air pollution has been linked to developmental problems in the lungs of unborn babies. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can decrease lung function in unborn children. It may develop childhood asthma and increase respiratory symptoms. Read E-Waste Crisis: Effects of Electronic Waste on Environment and Human Health Health Concerns in Pregnant Mothers Air pollution is a major health concern for pregnant women. Air pollution can also increase the risk of preterm labour. And if a pregnant woman has exposure to indoor air pollution may have negative pregnancy outcomes at a higher rate. Indoor pollution can be toxins from cigarette smoke. Impacts of Air Pollution on Neonates, and Infants It can cause respiratory problems and fatalities in infants. However, the effects of air pollution on infants vary depending on the level of exposure and the infant's age. Infants who are very young or who have pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk for serious health problems from air pollution. Mortality Rate Air pollution is a major public health concern across the globe. It can increase mortality in adults, and it has been shown to increase mortality in babies too. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for approximately 600 000 deaths in children under 5 years annually. This is a major problem because the number of babies in the world is increasing, and air pollution is becoming more and more common. Not only are babies at risk, but also the elderly and people with respiratory diseases. Read Climate Change: How Bangladesh is being affected by Global Warming?