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World Health Day: Experts warns of microplastics in placenta and pregnancy complications
Microplastics have been found in the human placenta, which increases health concerns for pregnant women and unborn children. Experts warn that risk can affect the growth of fetal development, immunity and pregnancy through wind, water, food and cosmetics. Doctors recommend changes in lifestyle to reduce plastic exposure and protect maternal and child health.
World Health Day: Experts warned of microplastics in placenta and pregnancy complications (Image Credit: ISTOCK)
Small plastic particles, known as microplastics, are found everywhere â we breathe from the food we eat from the food we eat. Now, they have been discovered by a place that has expressed serious concern: the human placenta. Health experts are now warning that these particles can pose risk for pregnant women and their unborn children.
Dr. Gynecologist, Advisor to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. Neha Abhijeet Power explains, âPregnant women can be made aware of microplastics through food, especially seafood, as well as water and air.
There are small pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in microplastics size. They either come from the breakdown of large plastic items or are added to products such as cosmetics and cleaning agents. Now, studies are showing that these particles can enter the human body and even cross into the womb.
How do microplastic enter our body?
Dr. Mannan Gupta, Elecentnis Healthcare, President and Head of Obstaterix and Gynecology at New Delhi, explain, âMicroplastics mostly enter our body with polluted air or dust, especially indoors, where plastic materials and synthetic clothes are common. They also come from packaged food in plastic.â
He says, âA liter of bottled water can have thousands of microplastic particles. In addition, many cosmetics have small plastic beads that can be absorbed or swallowed through the skin.â
Once inside the body, these particles can proceed through the blood, reach different organs, and even cross the placenta to reach the child.
Why are microplastic dangerous during pregnancy?
Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, endocrine disruptive and frequent organic pollutants (POPs), which can affect the hormones of both mother and child.
âMicroplastics can cause inflammation, causing hypertension in pregnancy (pregnancy), pregnancy diabetes, or even premature birth complications,â Dr. Power is called. âSome animal studies have also associated these particles with developmental and brain related issues, although more research is required in humans.â
Dr. Says Gupta, âThe placenta is one that supplies food and oxygen to the child. Any foreign substance in the placenta can affect the childâs development. There is also a worry that microplastics can weaken the childâs immune system or cause low birth weight.â
How can pregnant women reduce exposure?
Although it is difficult to avoid completely from microplastics, experts say there are simple ways to reduce risk, especially during pregnancy.
Dr. Power suggests:
- Cut on seafood, especially shellfish.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gupta suggests:
- Choosing fresh, unpacked foods instead of processed or plastic-lipted food.
âIn the womb, microplastics are now present â a disturbing reality of modern times,â Dr. Says Gupta. âWe still do not fully understand long -term effects, but it is intelligent to take steps to reduce the exposure.â
Dr. Power says, âPregnant women should be careful about what they eat, drink, and use them on their skin. These small particles may be small, but they are real, but they are real and should not be ignored.â
Protecting unborn children from these hidden hazards can begin with the simple options we have every day â choosing safe options and limiting plastic in your life.
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