Delhi's pregnant women suffer elevated BP, breathlessness: What not to do? Doctors explain
Delhi air is also dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities.
Delhi air is also dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities.
Delhi air is also dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities.
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) has hit 400, and reports indicate it's likely to worsen. In the meantime, many doctors say they are receiving complaints from pregnant women about fatigue, breathlessness, elevated BP and more. It also poses significant health challenges to the unborn children and their mothers. Apparently, the delicate particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in Delhi air can cause pre-term deliveries. This occurs because it enters the bloodstream and damages the placenta, reducing the baby's oxygen supply.
What pregnant women shouldn't do
Doctors say that patients should still exercise caution before resorting to panic-driven moves like relocating to a new place. According to obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Swapnil Agrahari of Silverstreak Multispeciality Hospital, "Travelling out of the city during peak pollution months can itself cause stress and expose women to infections."
Talking to PTI, doctors said the women can use the following protection:
N95 masks
Air purifiers
Keeping windows sealed
Regular hydration
Limiting outdoor exposure
Plant air-purifying plants like the peace lily, areca palm
Maintaining good nutrition
Avoid morning walks
Include natural detoxifiers like jaggery in the diet
Delhi air is also dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities.
(With inputs from PTI)