2024-09-13 14:24:02
THE ESSENTIAL
Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of NO2 between weeks 13 and 29 of their pregnancy had a 3.86 times higher risk of suffering postpartum depression for up to 3 years. This rose to a 3.88 times higher risk for those exposed to PM10 between weeks 12 and 28. The authors therefore advise pregnant women to avoid exercising outdoors during periods of high pollution, such as during morning and evening rush hours or during wildfires, and to stay indoors as much as possible on hot summer days (ideally with air conditioning). The study’s lead author also advocates for ongoing mental health screening for women beyond the first year after giving birth.
10 to 20% of mothers are affected by postpartum depression in the weeks following childbirth, according to data from the Health Insurance. Several risk factors are known, such as psychiatric history, traumatic births, marital conflicts or even pathological pregnancies. In addition to these few examples, the mother-to-be may be exposed to certain atmospheric pollutants during the second trimester of pregnancy, say researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in the United States. Their study has just been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.
Postpartum depression: PM10 and NO2 pollutants highlighted
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The scientists conducted a longitudinal study of 361 mothers living in Southern California, following them from the beginning of their pregnancy until three years after giving birth. They collected information about their depressive symptoms during that time and compared it to weekly measurements of air pollution taken near their homes.What is truly novel about this work is that we were able to extend the examination of depression beyond the first year postpartum, and showed the sustained effect of air pollution during pregnancy on depressive symptoms up to three years after delivery.”, said Dr. Tracy Bastainassociate professor of clinical population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and senior author of the study.
Indeed, the researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of NO2 between weeks 13 and 29 of their pregnancy had a 3.86 times greater risk of suffering postpartum depression for up to 3 years. Those exposed to higher levels of PM10 between weeks 12 and 28 had a 3.88 times greater risk. Overall, 17.8% of women had depressive symptoms one year after giving birth, 17.5% after two years, and 13.4% after three years. In contrast, no association was found for PM2.5 pollutants and ozone.
Reducing exposure to air pollution for expectant mothers…
The results of this study suggest that reducing the mother-to-be’s exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy could help reduce the risk of postpartum depression… But how? PM10, which are particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter, can include everything from dust and pollen to pollutants from factories and wildfires. NO2 particles, meanwhile, come from the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles and power plants. The authors therefore advise pregnant women to avoid exercising outdoors during periods of high pollution, such as during morning and evening rush hours or during wildfires, and to stay indoors as much as possible on hot summer days (ideally with air conditioning).
Note that in France, postpartum depression affects more women living in the regions of Centre Val-de-Loire, Île-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur, according to a study by Public Health France published in September 2023.
…and detect postpartum depression for longer
“Another important implication of our work is that depression may persist well beyond the first 12 months postpartum.“, said Dr. Bastain, who insists on the establishment of continuous mental health screening beyond the first year following childbirth.
France is also lagging behind in this regard! If since September 2022, a “systematic screening interview” has been introduced around the fifth week following childbirth, with a second interview for “women at risk” around the twelfth week, there is no longer any follow-up for those who do not show signs of depression during this period.
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Possible on days with poor air quality.
The Hidden Dangers of Air Pollution: How Exposure During Pregnancy Increases the Risk of Postpartum Depression
Air pollution is a growing concern globally, with far-reaching impacts on both physical and mental health. Recent research has shed light on a previously unknown threat: the link between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of postpartum depression. In this article, we’ll delve into the findings of a groundbreaking study that reveals the alarming consequences of air pollution on new mothers and their babies.
The Study: Uncovering the Connection Between Air Pollution and Postpartum Depression
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California conducted a longitudinal study of 361 mothers living in Southern California. The study followed the mothers from the beginning of their pregnancy until three years after giving birth, collecting information on their depressive symptoms during that time. The researchers compared this data to weekly measurements of air pollution taken near their homes.
The findings were striking: women exposed to higher levels of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) between weeks 13 and 29 of their pregnancy had a 3.86 times higher risk of suffering from postpartum depression for up to three years. Those exposed to higher levels of PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) between weeks 12 and 28 had a 3.88 times higher risk.
The Risks of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects 10 to 20% of mothers in the weeks following childbirth. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and overwhelm, making it difficult for new mothers to care for themselves and their babies. If left untreated, postpartum depression can have long-term effects on both mothers and their children.
The Role of Air Pollution
Air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor that can exacerbate postpartum depression. PM10 and NO2 pollutants can come from various sources, including:
Vehicle emissions
Factory pollution
Wildfires
Power plants
Dust and pollen
These pollutants can enter the bloodstream and affect brain development, leading to changes in mood and behavior.
Reducing Exposure to Air Pollution
So, how can expectant mothers reduce their exposure to air pollution and lower their risk of postpartum depression? The researchers offer the following advice:
Avoid exercising outdoors during periods of high pollution, such as morning and evening rush hours or during wildfires.
* Stay indoors as much as
Their area to make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
The Hidden Danger of Air Pollution: How NO2 and PM10 Can Increase the Risk of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a common condition that affects millions of new mothers worldwide. While the risk factors are well-documented, a recent study has shed light on a surprising contributor to this condition: air pollution. Researchers have found that exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of postpartum depression in new mothers.
The Study
The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, followed 361 mothers living in Southern California from the beginning of their pregnancy until three years after giving birth. The researchers collected data on the mothers’ depressive symptoms during this period and compared it to weekly measurements of air pollution taken near their homes.
The Findings
The results were alarming. Women exposed to higher levels of NO2 between weeks 13 and 29 of their pregnancy had a 3.86 times higher risk of suffering from postpartum depression for up to three years. Those exposed to higher levels of PM10 between weeks 12 and 28 had a 3.88 times higher risk. The study’s lead author, Dr. Tracy Bastain, noted that this is the first study to extend the examination of depression beyond the first year postpartum, showing the sustained effect of air pollution during pregnancy on depressive symptoms up to three years after delivery.
Reducing Exposure to Air Pollution for Expectant Mothers
So, what can expectant mothers do to reduce their exposure to air pollution and lower their risk of postpartum depression? The study’s authors recommend avoiding outdoor exercise during periods of high pollution, such as morning and evening rush hours, or during wildfires. Staying indoors as much as possible on hot summer days, ideally with air conditioning, can also help reduce exposure. Additionally, pregnant women can check air quality indexes in
