Speaking in an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Olajumoke Ogunro said the purpose of ventilation is to ensure that healthy air is provided for breathing.
According to her, when a room is poorly ventilated it leads to the build-up of carbon dioxide and low oxygen which can cause harm to an individual, pregnant or not.
She said, “Whether you’re pregnant or not pregnant when a room is not properly ventilated it leads to the build-up of carbon dioxide and then low oxygen.
“That results in other adverse conditions like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, respiratory problems, shortness of breath, and irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat.
“Poor ventilation can also lead to stillbirth – that is, the baby dying in the mother’s womb, a low birth weight – that is, babies being very small, pre-term delivery or even congenital abnormality.
“Sometimes when the mother inhales the pollutant, it passes through the placenta and the baby is also exposed to the pollutant. The effect of that pollutant depends on when the baby was exposed and how long the baby was exposed to it,” she said.
These contaminants that can cause air pollution, Ogunro stated, include certain organisms released when we speak, contaminants from using sprays in rooms, also, cooking fumes and carpets emitting certain things, etc.
The gynaecologist who works at the Alpha Assisted Reproductive Klinic, Ikoyi, Lagos, further explained that “There is also what we call the sick building syndrome where the occupant inside the poorly ventilated building can develop acute health problems that are directly related to the building environment, as a result of poor ventilation.
“When you have a rise in carbon dioxide, this can significantly increase the contaminants,” she said.
Ogunro, therefore, urged pregnant women to cultivate the habit of opening windows and doors, to help improve ventilation in the room.
“Also, other things like the use of ceiling fans will help in properly ventilating a room,” the expert added.
Also speaking with our correspondent, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who works at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Dr. Mark Ogbiti, stressed the need for a pregnant woman to sleep in a room where there is an adequate flow of air for convenient inhalation and exhalation.
Ogbiti said, “Not doing this may lead to health problems like preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, increased risk of airborne infection such as TB, frequent asthmatic attacks if the pregnant woman is asthmatic, COVID-19 risk, dizziness, fainting attacks, drowsiness, restlessness, etc.”
He advised pregnant women as well as the general public to ensure their windows, doors, and air vents are fully opened to allow proper circulation of air in the room.
Source: healthwise
