Pregnant women who are regularly exposed to toxic airborne agents face an increased risk of birth defects, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of industrial chemicals can elevate the risk of adverse effects on fetal development. This risk is particularly high during the critical fetal organ formation stage, from 3 to 8 weeks of gestation.

Pregnant women should be aware of several industrial chemicals and solvent sources, including: paint fumes, varnish, solvents containing toluene, xylene, benzene, pesticides, insecticides, smoke from burning plastic, rubber, or waste, tobacco smoke, and carbon monoxide. Regular exposure to these substances can be linked to neural tube defects, heart defects, cleft lip and palate, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, preterm birth, neurodevelopmental delays, and reduced IQ.

If your home is near an industrial zone and chemical odors are only occasionally carried by the wind, it is not possible to definitively state that this will cause birth defects. The level of risk depends on the type of chemical, its concentration in the air, the duration of exposure, and environmental control systems. To mitigate risks, pregnant women should limit opening windows when strong chemical odors are present, use an air purifier if conditions allow, and avoid prolonged stays or activities in areas with unpleasant smells.

Doctor Ung Quoc Thuong, Specialist Level I, advises a pregnant woman on fetal defect screening. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Regular prenatal check-ups, fetal defect screening ultrasounds at each pregnancy milestone, and prenatal screening tests as prescribed by a doctor are crucial. These are the most effective measures to monitor fetal development and detect any abnormalities.

Key screening milestones for birth defects include:

From 11 weeks to 13 weeks and 6 days: Nuchal translucency ultrasound combined with screening tests (double test or NIPT) assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.

From weeks 20 to 24: A detailed morphological ultrasound (5D ultrasound or anatomical scan) comprehensively examines the brain, spine, heart, lungs, kidneys, abdominal wall, and limbs. This is the most critical milestone for detecting most structural defects. If the morphological ultrasound suggests a heart abnormality or if the mother has high risk factors, the doctor may recommend a specialized fetal echocardiogram.

From weeks 28 to 36: Pregnant women undergo ultrasound to monitor growth, amniotic fluid, and placenta, detecting any late-appearing abnormalities and planning for delivery.

These ultrasound milestones are essential for a healthy pregnancy progression. Depending on the health of the mother and baby, as well as risk factors the mother was exposed to before and during pregnancy, the doctor may order additional necessary tests to screen for the risk of birth defects.

Doctor Ung Quoc Thuong, Specialist Level I

Obstetrics and Gynecology Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City