Skip to main content
SMFM 2026 Pregnancy Meeting Main banner
Icon Legend
This session is not in your schedule.
This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.
Presentation Icons
Additional registration fee required
Additional registration fee required
Faculty have requested this content not be shared outside of the session
Faculty have requested this content not be shared outside of the session
CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee
Poster Icons
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 1

Category: Epidemiology

Poster Session 1

(101) Prenatal and infant Exposure to Urban Air Pollution and Respiratory Outcomes

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between prenatal and postnatal exposure to environmental pollutants and subsequent respiratory morbidity in toddlers, using silicone wristbands as a novel personal monitoring device. The study is based on a longitudinal maternal–fetal cohort initiated in pregnancy, providing rare insight into the continuum of environmental exposures from womb to early childhood

Study Design:

This is a prospective follow-up of a cohort of pregnant women recruited at delivery in two urban regions: one adjacent to heavy industry, and the other non-industrial, traffic-exposed. 2-3 years later, their children (now toddlers) individual exposure to airborne pollutants was assessed using silicone wristbands worn for 7 days. Pollutant analysis, included PAHs (e.g., pyrene), phthalates (DEP, DMP), and flame retardants (OPEs). Respiratory health was evaluated through validated maternal questionnaires (ISAAC and MoBa). Pollutants were analyzed via GC-MSD; exposure-health associations were tested using correlation and regression models

Results:

94 child-mother dyads were analyzed. Children from the industrial area exhibited significantly higher rates of rhinitis (p=0.016), general health issues (p=0.033), and combined wheezing/allergic events (p< 0.001). Measured levels of indoor pollutants such as DEP and DMP were significantly higher in the non-industrial urban area (p=0.0003 and p=0.0002, respectively). DEP levels correlated positively with respiratory symptoms (p=0.029), while pyrene exposure was associated with increased use of steroids and antihistamines (p=0.011)

Conclusion:

This study highlights the feasibility and utility of non-invasive, personalized exposure assessment in pediatric follow-up of maternal cohorts. Despite lower pollutant levels, the industrial region was associated with greater respiratory morbidity, suggesting that in utero and early-life cumulative exposures—rather than single pollutant concentrations—may drive adverse child health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of environmental monitoring during pregnancy as part of maternal-fetal risk stratification