Effect of Environmental Pollution on Pregnant Women and Fetal Outcome in Industrial & Non-Industrial Areas

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of environmental pollution on pregnant women and fetal outcome in industrial and non­ industrial areas. Two hundred women were recruited. Subjects were classified into four groups from different selected health settings, two study groups, 50 each from two different hospitals (Tanta University hospital & Helwan general hospital) and two retrospective groups: 50 each (record based sample) from also two different Maternal and Child Health centers (Mehaletmarhoom MCH &Helwan first MCH). Data were collected through interviewing sheet, Labor & delivery data sheet, and neonatal assessment sheet for prospective group, while questionnaire sheet was used for retrospective group. Findings revealed that women who live or work in industrial areas had increased blood lead level than who are not live or work in non-industrial areas (P< 0.001), also increased newborn blood lead level in industrial group than in non- industrial group (P=O.OOl). Industrial group was also liable to premature rupture of membrane than other group (P < 0.05). Anemia was found more in industrial than non industrial areas related to retrospective and prospective groups (P < 0.05).In conclusion environmental pollution had effect on maternal and fetal outcome in industrial areas than non industrial areas.