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Locally derived traffic-related air pollution and fetal growth restriction: a retrospective cohort study

Fetal growth restriction has been inconsistently associated with maternal exposure to elevated levels of traffic-related air pollution.

Authors:
Pereira G; Cook AG; Haggar F; Bower C; Nassar N

Authors notes:
Occup Environ Med. 2012 Jul 31;69(11):815-822

Keywords:
Fetal growth, Maternal exposure, Air pollution, Birth weight, Pregnancy

Abstract:
Fetal growth restriction has been inconsistently associated with maternal exposure to elevated levels of traffic-related air pollution.

We investigated the relationship between an individualised measure of fetal growth and maternal exposure to a specific marker for traffic-related air pollution.

An IQR increase in traffic-related air pollution in the second trimester across all women was associated with an OR of 1.31 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.60) for fetal growth restriction.

Effects on fetal growth restriction (low POBW) were highest among women who subsequently delivered before 37 weeks of gestation.

Effects on SGA were highest among women who did not move house: OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.69).

Larger effect sizes were observed for low POBW than for SGA.

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution in mid to late pregnancy was associated with risk of SGA and low POBW in this study.