Highways may put pregnancy at risk

Researchers in Montreal found that pregnant women who lived within 220 yards of a highway gave birth to lower weight babies.

They faced a 17 percent higher chance of low-weight births and a 14 percent increased risk of pre-term delivery.

Scientists say pollutants may be absorbed and exchanged through the placenta, causing the low birth-rates. Pollution has also been shown to increase infection and respiratory problems in moms-to-be.

 

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