However, the smoke from these items contains tiny particles and chemicals, which may affect your breathing and comfort during pregnancy. You can follow simple steps to know what to watch out for.
Why Does Smoke From These Products Become More Harmful During Pregnancy?
Your body changes dramatically during pregnancy, including your breathing and blood circulation. You may breathe faster, as your lungs work harder. Your immune system also becomes weak to support your baby. So, exposure to smoke may be more harmful than it was earlier.In this article:
- Particulate matter (PM2.5) is tiny particles that enter your lungs easily
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released as irritating chemicals when something burns
- Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen levels in your blood
- Synthetic fragrances are chemicals that can cause headaches or nausea
What Makes Agarbatti and Dhoop Smoke a Concern for Pregnant Women?
How does agarbatti/dhoop smoke affect your breathing?
The tiny particles in smoke from agarbatti or dhoop can irritate your airways when you inhale them. You may notice the following signs:- Mild coughing
- Chest tightness
- Burning sensation in the nose
- Headaches
- Dizziness in poorly ventilated rooms
Can prolonged exposure affect your comfort or sleep?
Indoor pollution can worsen breathlessness, disturb sleep, and increase fatigue. Your body already works harder during pregnancy, so polluted air makes it even more challenging.Are Mosquito Coils Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Mosquito coils are designed to burn slowly for hours and continuously release smoke. This smoke contains pyrethroids, chemicals that repel mosquitoes. They can irritate your respiratory system in large amounts.How does mosquito coil smoke impact you?
The following are its effects:- Throat irritation
- Watery or burning eyes
- Nausea, if you already have morning sickness
- Headaches due to synthetic fragrance
- Increased coughing if you have asthma
Does Indoor Smoke Affect Your Baby?
The smoke mostly affects you, but anything that reduces your oxygen levels indirectly affects the baby. Your blood may carry considerably less oxygen when you breathe in polluted air. It can make you feel tired and breathless over time.There is no need to panic because occasional exposure is unlikely to cause a serious problem. However, it is not recommended to have constant exposure to poor indoor air quality during pregnancy, when your oxygen needs increase by nearly 20–30%.
What Warning Signs Should You Watch Out For?
You may have the following problems if indoor smoke is affecting you:- Shortness of breath
- Frequent headaches
- Burning eyes
- Persistent coughing
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Unusual fatigue
How Can You Reduce Indoor Pollution During Pregnancy?
You don’t have to stop using these products completely, but use them with precautions to stay safe.Practical precautions you can follow:
- Keep windows open while using agarbatti, dhoop, or coils
- Light them outdoors when possible, for example, in balconies, verandas, or near windows
- Switch to natural alternatives, such as lemongrass oil, citronella candles, or electric mosquito repellents with herbal formulas
- Use these products only when truly needed
- Avoid standing close to the smoke
- Use an air purifier to reduce particulate matter
- Ask someone else to light the products. It will keep you away from the initial strong smoke.
What Can Your Partner or Family Do to Support You?
Pregnancy is also an emotional journey of mixed feelings. Smoke or strong fragrances can make you uncomfortable, and this discomfort can be hard to explain. Your partner or family can help you in such times.- Keep the room ventilated before you enter
- Choose smoke-free alternatives
- Help with mosquito control in other ways
- Being understanding when certain smells make you nauseous
A Quick “What to Do Next” Checklist:
- Observe how your body reacts to indoor smoke
- Avoid staying in closed rooms where agarbatti or coils are burning
- Use natural mosquito-control methods
- Keep your living area clean to reduce insects
- Prioritise ventilation throughout your home
- Seek medical help if breathing difficulty increases
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on How Indoor Pollution From Agarbatti, Dhoop, and Mosquito Coils Impacts Pregnancy?
- Can I use an electric mosquito repellent during pregnancy?
You can use most electric liquid repellents, but go for herbal or low-chemical versions. Also, use them in a well-ventilated room. - Are incense sticks made from natural ingredients safer during pregnancy?
They may produce less chemical residue, but they still release smoke. Ventilation is again crucial, even if you use natural or organic agarbatti or dhoop. - Should I stop using mosquito coils entirely?
It is safer to reduce their use during pregnancy and to avoid using them in closed rooms. Use nets, herbal sprays, or liquid repellents if mosquitoes are a problem.