Share LinkedIn Pin EmailFrederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images/TNSExposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution during pregnancy may prolong postpartum depression symptoms in new mothers, according to new research. The researchers then tracked the women’s mental health for up to three years after they gave birth. Poor air quality has been identified as one of several factors associated with postpartum depression, a serious mental health condition often associated with intense feelings of sadness and difficulty bonding with a newborn. It also suggests women may need to be particularly vigilant about minimizing their exposure to air pollution when they are four to six months pregnant. And because of that, we think of this [second trimester] period of pregnancy as potentially a vulnerable period for environmental exposures, including air pollution.”

Source: Los Angeles Times October 07, 2024 21:27 UTC