Heavy Metal Exposure in Pregnant Ladies and their Toxic Effects on Foetus Health Before and After Birth Dwivedi Achala1, Singhania Shrisha2, Agrawal Prashant3,*, Chandrawanshi Lalit4, Singh Uday Pratap5 1Department of Forensic Science, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India 2Department of Forensic Science, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India 3Department of Forensic Science, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India 4Department of Forensic Science, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India 5Forensic Science Lab, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India *Corresponding Author, Dr. Prashant Agrawal, Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, Email: prashant.agrawal@sharda.ac.in
Online Published on 12 January, 2024. Abstract Heavy metals are defined as metals with relatively high atomic weights, atomic numbers, or densities. Both human and natural sources, such as industry discharge, vehicle exhaust, and mining, emit these metals into the environment. These heavy metals are harmful to pregnant women and the health of the neonates as they are easily absorbed through the placenta. In reality, the mother’s exposure to environmental contaminants to heavy metals may be a factor in embryonic mortality. Non-essential metals including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were discovered to be present in greater concentrations in pregnancy -related risk factors such anaemia and toxaemia. Particularly well-known environmental heavy metals like As, Cd, and Pb may put the unborn child’s health at risk through trans-placental circulation even at low concentrations. Along with the amniotic fluid and foetal membranes, the placenta is a special organ that promotes the foetus’s growth and development during the entire pregnancy. Additionally, it functions as a filter to block the entry of dangerous chemicals, shielding the developing foetus from being exposed to contaminants. Hazardous compounds can still get across the placental barrier; in fact, heavy metals have been found in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, as well as placental tissues. The impact of a heavy metal exposure intra-uterine health has been thoroughly assessed during the past few decades. In order to assess the mechanism of transfer of heavy metal through placenta and the effect on foetuses during pregnancy and the health of new born infants. Top Keywords Heavy metals, Toxicity, Pregnant ladies. Top |