Pregnancy and air quality: How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke and pollution

The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to impact air quality across the Los Angeles region. Wildfires can be concerning as they can contain particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, heavy metals and other pollution. 

Everyone, whether pregnant or not, should try to avoid prolonged inhalation of wildfire pollutants, says Christina Han, MD, professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. 

Pregnant people, children, infants and those with underlying lung disease are particularly vulnerable. For pregnant individuals, prolonged unprotected exposure can cause health issues for them and for the baby. 

However, Dr. Han says, there are multiple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. "With the proper precautions, you and your baby will continue to stay healthy," she says.

Air quality in and around the home

• Wear masks to block particulate matter:
  • N95s are the most efficient.
  • Surgical masks can also block some particulates.
• Protect your home:
  • Air filters can reduce particulates by more than half.
    • Use a MERV13 filter in your HVAC system.
    • Portable air cleaners with HEPA filters filter out most fine particles.
  • Keep windows and doors closed and tightly sealed to keep particulate matter out.
  • Remain in a "safe room" with few leaks.
  • Avoid igniting sources of combustion in the home, i.e., fireplace, candles, gas stovetop.
• For those with chronic lung disease, have your medications ready, including inhalers. Work with your lung doctors to optimize your health.
• Make sure to stay hydrated.

Evacuating from wildfires

If you are evacuating, consider these steps:

• Put the car's air conditioning system on auto-circulate, as automotive air filters are often HEPA grade.
• Prepare a "Go-bag" specific for the pregnancy, including the following:
  • Important medications, especially prescription medications;
  • Prenatal records;
  • Health insurance cards;
  • Map of local hospitals with labor and delivery en route and at your final destination.

Several pregnancy and baby brands are offering free or discounted products for people affected by wildfires. Here is an unofficial list.

If you are moving and in your third trimester, it may be hard to find a new obstetrician taking appointments, Dr. Han says. Work with your current obstetrician to make sure you have continuous prenatal care.

"Our UCLA Health obstetrical team remains committed to caring for our pregnant patients for routine and urgent needs," she says, "as we know that pregnancy and fetuses don't wait for natural disasters."  

And finally, reach out for social support. Please let your obstetrics team know if you need a referral to mental health services, Dr. Han says.

"Mental health is an incredibly important part of the pregnancy process, so please be sure to reach out for additional support if you find yourself having difficulty with anxiety, sleep, appetite or mood."