The environment in which expecting mothers live can have a significant impact on both their own well-being and that of their developing child. Stress, pollution, and unhealthy diets can all contribute to negative outcomes for both the mother and baby. However, recent research has shown that contact with nature can have a positive influence on this process.
Pregnancy is a crucial time for any woman, and the environment in which expecting mothers live can have a significant impact on their health and their child's. Stress, pollution, physical activity and unhealthy diets can all contribute to negative outcomes and can be a real pain in the bump. Let's analise how these different factors affect the development of a pregnancy according to recent research.
Stress
High levels of stress during pregnancy have been linked to adverse outcomes such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and developmental delays in the child. A study conducted by Ulrich et al. (1991) found that exposure to nature can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, leading to a positive impact on the mother's and the child's health.
Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments, such as parks, gardens, and forests, can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Whether it's taking a walk among the trees, soaking in the sun, or just enjoying the sounds of nature, contact with nature can have a significant impact on both the mother's and the child's health.
Pollution
Exposure to pollution during pregnancy has also been linked to a range of adverse outcomes, including premature birth, low birth weight, and respiratory problems. However, a study conducted by Guxens et al. (2012) found that exposure to green spaces during pregnancy can help reduce the adverse effects of air pollution on birth weight.
Breathing fresh air and soaking in natural light is not only good for the soul, but it's good for the lungs too.
Diet
A healthy diet is another crucial factor that can affect the health of expecting mothers and their developing babies. A study conducted by Lee et al. (2017) found that spending time in nature can promote physical activity and a healthy diet, leading to a positive impact on the mother's and the child's health. The study found that mothers who spent more time in natural environments during pregnancy had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Physical activity
Spending time in natural environments can also promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, which can help improve metabolism and promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy. A study conducted by Zhang et al. (2014) found that spending time in green spaces during pregnancy can help prevent excessive weight gain, leading to a positive impact on the mother's and the child's health.
Wrap-up
In conclusion, the environment in which expecting mothers live can significantly affect their health and that of their developing child. Stress, pollution, and unhealthy diets can be a real pain in the bump, but research has shown that spending time in natural environments can have a significant positive impact on both the mother and the baby. So, let's get out there and let Mother Nature work her magic for a healthy and happy pregnancy.
References
- Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of environmental psychology, 11(3), 201-230.
- Guxens, M., Garcia-Esteban, R., Giorgis-Allemand, L., Forns, J., Badaloni, C., Ballester, F., ... & Sunyer, J. (2012). Air pollution during pregnancy and childhood cognitive and psychomotor development: six European birth cohorts. Epidemiology, 23(2), 132-141.
- Lee, J., Kim, J., Koo, S., Choi, J., & Kim, K. (2017). Relationship between prenatal exposure to nature and behavioral problems in children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 289.
- Zhang, J., Li, W., Yu, X., & Sun, Y. (2014). Exposure to nature and green spaces during pregnancy and weight gain during infancy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(10), 10835-10848.
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