A recent study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health reveals that increased exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can alter fetal brain structures, particularly in the second and third trimesters.

The research, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, analyzed data from 754 mother-fetus pairs collected between 2018 and 2021 as part of the BiSC project in Barcelona.

Key pollutants examined in the study included nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5), and black carbon, with exposure levels assessed in participants' homes, workplaces, and commuting routes using geolocation data.

Laura Gómez-Herrera from ISGlobal emphasized the importance of understanding how pollution impacts fetal brain development and its vulnerability to environmental exposures.

Payam Dadvand highlighted that the fetal brain is particularly vulnerable during mid to late gestation due to external factors like pollution.

The findings suggest that exposure to these pollutants may lead to less maturation of the fetal brain, which could have implications for population health despite being small at the individual level.

Results indicate that prenatal exposure to these pollutants correlates with an increase in the volume of brain cavities, including the lateral ventricles and cisterna magna.

Specifically, the study observed an increase in the volume of the lateral ventricles and enlargement of the cisterna magna, along with widening of the cerebellar vermis, which is critical for balance and motor coordination.

These changes in brain morphology are associated with brain imbalances, loss of motor coordination, and slower development in unborn babies.

While these changes are within normal ranges for individuals, they are significant at the population level and indicate a vulnerability to environmental factors.

Researchers stress the need for further studies to determine the long-term effects of pollution exposure on neurodevelopment after birth and called for increased awareness and education regarding pollution's impact on pregnancy.

The findings underscore the importance of reducing pregnant women's exposure to air pollution, especially in urban areas, to protect fetal brain development.