Expecting a baby is a time of great anticipation, but many pregnant people worry about how their environment might affect their health. A large review of 112 studies looked at how different types of pollution and chemicals impact the risk of developing gestational diabetes (GDM). This condition involves high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
The researchers found that several types of environmental factors are linked to a higher risk of GDM. These include air pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, as well as heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum. Additionally, certain organic compounds, including specific chemicals known as PFAS, showed a connection to increased risk.
While these findings show a clear link between environmental factors and pregnancy risks, it is important to remember that the study shows an association rather than direct cause and effect. Because this data comes from observational studies, we cannot say for certain how much each individual factor contributes to a person's specific health outcome.
