Increasing risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia associated with long-term exposure effects of air pollution

It is reported that air pollution presents significant effects on human health, especially on pregnant women and newborns. To interpret the association of air pollution with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (PE), we collected a total of 74,454 births records during 2013–2016 in the city of Hohhot. Firstly, the inverse-distance weighting approach was applied to estimate the individual-level pollution concentrations, then logistic regression models were employed to analyze the effects of air pollution on gestational diabetes and PE. Our findings suggested that a potential increase of gestational diabetes later in pregnancy was observed, especially in the crucial and sensitive 1st trimester when maternal exposure to air pollutants during critical periods of placental implantation and early embryonic development showed. The PE risk presented elevating trend with increasing exposure later in pregnancy and throughout the pregnancy. Furthermore, the consistency of the observed odds ratios (ORs) provided evidence for the association of air pollution with gestational diabetes and PE. This work adds to the evidence of the adverse effects of ambient air pollution, including SO 2 , CO, PM 10 , O 3 , NO 2 , and PM 2.5 . Graphical abstract