Artificial lighting has become an essential part of modern society, providing illumination when natural light is insufficient or unavailable.

While artificial lighting has greatly improved our lives by extending our productive hours and enhancing our safety, it also carries several negative impacts that are particularly significant for pregnant women. This article explores the various negative consequences of artificial lighting on pregnant women’s health and wellbeing.

1. Disruption of Circadian Rhythm

Pregnant women are highly susceptible to the disruption caused by artificial lighting to their circadian rhythm, commonly known as the body’s internal clock.

Exposure to artificial light at night can suppress the release of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness. This disruption can lead to irregular sleep patterns and inadequate rest, which can have detrimental effects on both the mother and the developing fetus.

2. Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes

Studies have shown a correlation between excessive exposure to artificial lighting during pregnancy and an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Prolonged exposure to bright artificial light during the night can affect melatonin production, which in turn, disrupts glucose metabolism. This disruption can contribute to the development of GDM, a condition that poses health risks for both the mother and the baby.

3. Disturbed Hormonal Balance

Artificial lighting, especially blue-enriched light emitted by electronic devices, can disrupt the hormonal balance in pregnant women.

The suppression of melatonin production due to light exposure can affect other hormone levels, such as cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone, which play crucial roles in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances can lead to complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.

4. Disrupted Sleep Quality

Pregnant women already experience various sleep disturbances due to physical discomfort and hormonal changes. However, exposure to artificial lighting further exacerbates these problems.

The excessive presence of light in the bedroom or exposure to devices with screens before bedtime can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult for pregnant women to achieve restful sleep. This lack of quality sleep can result in fatigue and negatively impact their overall health.

5. Increased Risk of Postpartum Depression

Pregnant women exposed to high levels of artificial light, particularly during the third trimester, have been found to be at a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression.

The disruption to the circadian rhythm can affect the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Insufficient exposure to natural light during the day and excessive exposure to artificial light at night contribute to the development of depressive symptoms after childbirth.

6. Impaired Fetal Development

The negative impacts of artificial lighting are not limited to the pregnant woman alone; they can also affect the developing fetus.

Studies have suggested that prolonged exposure to artificial light during critical periods of fetal development can interfere with normal growth and maturation processes. This interference may lead to various complications, including developmental delays and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

7. Disrupted Melatonin-Induced Antioxidant Defense

Melatonin serves as a potent antioxidant that protects the body against oxidative stress. However, disruptions in melatonin production due to artificial lighting can impair this protective mechanism.

This can leave both the pregnant woman and the developing fetus more susceptible to oxidative damage, potentially leading to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and fetal programming disorders.

8. Adverse Effects on Maternal Blood Pressure

Prolonged exposure to artificial lighting at night has been linked to increased blood pressure levels in pregnant women. The disruption of the circadian rhythm caused by artificial light exposure can affect the regulation of blood pressure.

Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy can contribute to complications like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, both of which pose significant health risks for both the mother and the baby.

9. Disturbed Maternal-Fetal Communication

Research suggests that artificial light exposure can disrupt the intricate communication between the pregnant woman and the fetus. Light plays a crucial role in regulating fetal development and synchronization of biological rhythms.

Disruptions caused by excessive artificial lighting can interfere with this communication, potentially leading to altered developmental trajectories and long-term health consequences for the child.

10. Influence on Maternal and Fetal Sleep-Wake Cycles

The artificial light prevalent in modern society can also affect the synchronization of maternal and fetal sleep-wake cycles.

The exposure of the pregnant woman to excessive artificial light, especially at night, can be transmitted to the developing fetus. This can disrupt the natural sleep patterns of both the mother and the fetus, potentially impacting their overall health and wellbeing.