Air pollution affects the development of the brain in the fetus – scientists

Air pollution can affect the development of the unborn baby

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Polluted air can lead to changes in the size of the fetal brain structures, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

This is evidenced by the results of research by scientists from Spain, published in a scientific journal The Lanacet Planetary Health.

This is the first thorough study of the connection between air pollution and fetal brain development during pregnancy, writes Medical Xpress.

Scientists have analyzed data on more than 750 pregnant women and their fruits, collected during 2018-2021.

When the participants were in the third trimester of pregnancy, they conducted transvaginal neurosonography – an ultrasound examination of the baby’s brain through the vagina. Thus, scientists had the opportunity to investigate the shape and structure of the organ.

In addition, scientists explored the « micro -environment » of participants – their homes, places of work and routes of movement. Data on the activity of pregnant women were collected with a special application installed on mobile phones.

The study showed that the effect of air pollutants – nitrogen dioxide, black carbon and solid small particles – during pregnancy is associated with an increase in the volume of brain cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Scientists have found a direct link between the influence of these pollutants and an increase in the volume of the lateral ventricles located in each hemisphere of the brain, as well as an increase in a large tank (cavity located in the lower part of the brain).

In addition, they noticed an increase in the width of the central part of the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination of movements.

The results of the study also showed the relationship between the increased effects of black carbon and the decrease in the depth of lateral furrow (also known as the Silvium Slit) and a deep groove that passes through the brain. This may indicate a smaller brain maturity.

The connection between the influence of polluted air and changes in brain structures was stronger during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, scientists say.

« In moderate and late pregnancy, the fetus brain enters the key phase of its development, which makes it particularly vulnerable to external factors.

We now see convincing evidence that even in pregnancy, which looks healthy in all indicators, factors, such as air pollution, can imperceptibly affect the development of brain fruits, ” -tell co-authors of the study of Eliza Llurba and Lola Gomez Roig, clinicians from Santa Pow and Bcnatal-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (Barcelona, ​​Spain).

However, scientists warn: identified changes do not mean that children who participated in the project have pathological abnormalities. All measurements of brain structures are within normal limits.

They emphasize that other studies need to be conducted to confirm these conclusions and monitor their potential consequences over time.

Earlier we toldthat during pregnancy, a woman’s brain can be reduced by several percent.