Abstract
ABSTRACTThe right to a healthy pregnancy and to giving birth in a safe environment is source of comprehensive research. Decent birth facilities, respect, and no discrimination are already recognized as fundamental rights, but an accurate look at the outdoor environment is required. Air pollution is a dangerous factor to pregnant women and newborns, many of whom highly exposed to traffic-related atmospheric pollutants in urban areas. Such exposure can lead to low birth weight and long-lasting effects, such as respiratory diseases and premature death. Thus, this commentary, based on the analysis of literature, presents the importance of the exposome concept and of epigenetics in identifying the role of the environment for better health conditions of pregnant women and newborns. In the final considerations, this study proposes the deepening of the subject and the mobilization in this regard, with a human rights-based approach to environmental health and to the increased awareness of pregnant women on the risks of air pollution and its effects on health.
Highlights
Maternal health studies have shown the importance and the right of women to a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery
The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged and emphasized women’s rights to assistance and respect during pregnancy and labor, calling for better practices, women’s empowerment, and participation in the decisions related to their body and to their childrena
Research has shown that the environment plays an important role in maternal health and birth outcomes, either via the mode of delivery on the baby’s immune system and health[1,6] or by environmental degradation, such as air pollution
Summary
Maternal health studies have shown the importance and the right of women to a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. Research has shown that the environment plays an important role in maternal health and birth outcomes, either via the mode of delivery on the baby’s immune system and health[1,6] or by environmental degradation, such as air pollution. This said, there is still a gap in including the right to a healthy environment, in particular clean air, as a major component of a safe pregnancy and delivery.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
