Air Pollution May Be Associated With Increased Risk of Miscarriage

Exposure to environmental pollutants for those trying to conceive can adversely affect the ability to become pregnant and overall fertility. Numerous health-related issues have been linked to air pollution. A recent study published in Nature Sustainability examined the relationship between maternal air pollution exposure and pregnancy outcomes. This study included over 255,000 women in Beijing, China, which has well-documented pollution and air quality issues. Their findings demonstrated a clear correlation between air pollution and first trimester miscarriage. Additional studies are underway on further exploring how air pollution may be associated with increased risk of miscarriage.

Further research is required, but these findings suggest that women who live in areas of increased air pollution appear to be at increased risk for early pregnancy loss. While we would recommend that all individuals minimize their exposure to air pollution, we recognize, of course, that environmental exposures are difficult to control. At Fertility Centers of New England, we encourage all of our patients to lead healthy lifestyles in order to have the best possible chance of conceiving. If you have questions about your or your partner’s fertility, please contact us today!

Other helpful blogs on ways to limit environmental exposure to your pregnancy:
BPA and Miscarriage
How The Environment May Affect Fertility