In a new study, an alarming claim has been made about microplastics&nbsp;being present in the lungs, hearts, and brains of newborns.&nbsp;

In a new study carried out by researchers from Rutgers University, it was observed that after newborn mice were exposed to polyamide-12, or PA-12 through inhalation. After this tiny plastic pieces were found inside their lungs, hearts, livers, kidneys, and brains.

In the research, it was seen that microplastics can pass through the placenta during pregnancy and can even expose the developing fetus.&nbsp;

Scientists did not rule out the possibility of fragments passing through the mother's milk after the child's birth, however, the presence of microplastics at such an early stage of life was alarming.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-found-more-than-3600-food-packaging-chemicals-in-human-bodies-759810">Scientists have found more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies</a>

"Nobody wants plastic in their liver,"&nbsp;said Phoebe Stapleton, who is an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University. "Now that we know it's there – as well as in other organs – the next step is to understand why and what that means," she added.

<h2>How MNP exposure at the infant stage will impact lives?</h2>

Microplastic pollutants have already been linked to an increased risk&nbsp;of cardiovascular disease, however, researchers are now worried about the long-term implications of this MNP exposure.&nbsp;

As per the report, exposure to pollutants and chemicals at an early stage of life will increase the risk&nbsp;of health problems and chronic illnesses.&nbsp;

"These results raise concerns for the toxicological impacts associated with MNPs exposure, maternal-fetal health, and systemic MNPs particle deposition," wrote the researchers, in their published paper.

"I don't think we'll ever get rid of plastics altogether. They're too important for modern life," said Stapleton.

"But I do think we might get to a point where we'll have some policies to indicate which ones are less toxic than others," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, an alarming claim has been made about microplastics being present in the lungs, hearts, and brains of newborns. In a new study carried out by researchers from Rutgers University, it was observed that after newborn mice were exposed to polyamide-12, or PA-12 through inhalation.

In a new study, an alarming claim has been made about microplastics being present in the lungs, hearts, and brains of newborns. In a new study carried out by researchers from Rutgers University, it was observed that after newborn mice were exposed to polyamide-12, or PA-12 through inhalation. After this tiny plastic pieces were found inside their lungs, hearts, livers, kidneys, and brains. In the research, it was seen that microplastics can pass through the placenta during pregnancy and can even expose the developing fetus. Scientists did not rule out the possibility of fragments passing through the mother's milk after the child's birth, however, the presence of microplastics at such an early stage of life was alarming. Also Read: Scientists have found more than 3,600 food packaging chemicals in human bodies "Nobody wants plastic in their liver," said Phoebe Stapleton, who is an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Rutgers University. "Now that we know it's there – as well as in other organs – the next step is to understand why and what that means," she added. How MNP exposure at the infant stage will impact lives? Microplastic pollutants have already been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, however, researchers are now worried about the long-term implications of this MNP exposure. As per the report, exposure to pollutants and chemicals at an early stage of life will increase the risk of health problems and chronic illnesses. "These results raise concerns for the toxicological impacts associated with MNPs exposure, maternal-fetal health, and systemic MNPs particle deposition," wrote the researchers, in their published paper. "I don't think we'll ever get rid of plastics altogether. They're too important for modern life," said Stapleton. "But I do think we might get to a point where we'll have some policies to indicate which ones are less toxic than others," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Fetus absorbing microplastics which persist post-birth, claims alarming study

A woman inmate in California, USA who suffered a miscarriage in police custody six years ago has been awarded a compensatory sum of $480,000 by the government officials of Orange County.

Reportedly, the woman named Sandra Quinones who is no longer in custody, suffered a miscarriage on March 28, 2016 after her water broke during custody while the police officials showed extreme lethargy in taking her to the hospital, resulting in the death of the fetus.&nbsp;

The payment is part of a federal wrongful death lawsuit that was filed by Sandra on behalf of her lawyer Dick Herman.&nbsp;

In the lawsuit, Sandra claimed that after her water broke, she pressed the button in her cell, meant to summon the police officials for help. However, for more than two hours, not a single officer turned up at her cell while she writhed in pain.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-incident-reported-outside-a-gurudwara-in-california-three-injured-510928">&nbsp;Shooting incident reported outside a Gurudwara in California, three injured</a>

Even when the staffers arrived, Sandra was taken to the Anaheim Global Medical Center in the jail deputy's patrol car instead of an ambulance. Moreover, en route to the hospital, the deputies made a stop at Starbucks to drink coffee, wasting precious time while Sandra remained in pain.

Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-orders-starbucks-to-rehire-employees-it-fired-for-unionising-508252">US court orders Starbucks to rehire employees it fired for 'unionising'</a>

In the end, Sandra lost her baby as the hospital could not do anything after such a long delay. Afterwards, in the lawsuit, Sandra accused the jail staffers of exhibiting 'deliberate indifference'&nbsp;toward her 'civil rights and medical condition'.

Speaking about the outcome of the case, Sandra's attorney remarked, "That's a very good result for someone badly treated in the jail. This poor woman, she's in jail having a miscarriage and, instead of calling an ambulance, they take her to the hospital in a patrol car and the cops stop at Starbucks while she's bleeding."

Reportedly, Sandra has to formally accept the settlement for the agreement to be considered final.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracles-do-happen-30-year-old-us-woman-becomes-pregnant-while-being-pregnant-483991">Miracles do happen: 30-year-old US woman becomes pregnant while being pregnant. Find out how</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A woman inmate in California, USA who suffered a miscarriage in police custody six years ago has been awarded a compensatory sum of $480,000 by the government officials of Orange County.

A woman inmate in California, USA who suffered a miscarriage in police custody six years ago has been awarded a compensatory sum of $480,000 by the government officials of Orange County. Reportedly, the woman named Sandra Quinones who is no longer in custody, suffered a miscarriage on March 28, 2016 after her water broke during custody while the police officials showed extreme lethargy in taking her to the hospital, resulting in the death of the fetus. The payment is part of a federal wrongful death lawsuit that was filed by Sandra on behalf of her lawyer Dick Herman. In the lawsuit, Sandra claimed that after her water broke, she pressed the button in her cell, meant to summon the police officials for help. However, for more than two hours, not a single officer turned up at her cell while she writhed in pain. Read more: Shooting incident reported outside a Gurudwara in California, three injured Even when the staffers arrived, Sandra was taken to the Anaheim Global Medical Center in the jail deputy's patrol car instead of an ambulance. Moreover, en route to the hospital, the deputies made a stop at Starbucks to drink coffee, wasting precious time while Sandra remained in pain. Read more: US court orders Starbucks to rehire employees it fired for 'unionising' In the end, Sandra lost her baby as the hospital could not do anything after such a long delay. Afterwards, in the lawsuit, Sandra accused the jail staffers of exhibiting 'deliberate indifference' toward her 'civil rights and medical condition'. Speaking about the outcome of the case, Sandra's attorney remarked, "That's a very good result for someone badly treated in the jail. This poor woman, she's in jail having a miscarriage and, instead of calling an ambulance, they take her to the hospital in a patrol car and the cops stop at Starbucks while she's bleeding." Reportedly, Sandra has to formally accept the settlement for the agreement to be considered final. Read more: Miracles do happen: 30-year-old US woman becomes pregnant while being pregnant. Find out how (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US inmate who suffered miscarriage as police officials stopped at Starbucks for coffee to be paid $480,000

Following the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion has become a topic of active discussion across the planet. Now, the Indian Supreme Court, hearing an abortion case has observed that all women, irrespective of their marital status should have the same rights to end an unwanted pregnancy.

Following the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion has become a topic of active discussion across the planet. Now, the Indian Supreme Court, hearing an abortion case has observed that all women, irrespective of their marital status should have the same rights to end an unwanted pregnancy. Reportedly, the Supreme Court was hearing the case of a 25-year-old woman who had conceived during a live-in relationship. However, since the relationship had ended and she wanted to abort the pregnancy, she was denied as the Indian laws do not have a provision for women in such cases. The court noted that it will seek to interpret the law to include 'unmarried woman' and 'single woman' under the provision that allows abortion till up to 24 weeks. As reported by WION, according to the abortion laws in India, a woman may choose to end their pregnancy up to 20 weeks if their doctor recommends it, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MPT), a law passed by the Parliament in 1971. Moreover, special categories of women such as survivors of sexual abuse, minors, rape victims, incest, and disabled women can seek termination up to 24 weeks. And therein lies the blindspot for unmarried women. Rule 3B(c) of the MTP Rules, 2003 states that women who have a change of marital status during pregnancy, either by way of widowhood or divorce may undergo abortion up to 24 weeks. Read more: Roe v. Wade overturned: Comparative analysis of Indian and American abortion laws Justices Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, AS Bopanna and JB Pardiwala picked up on this specific gap in the legislation and made the observation: “Going by the legislative intent, a widow has lost support of her life partner and in divorce too, there is loss of support from life partner. This logic will equally apply to a woman who has been abandoned,” “Take a case where a married woman is neither divorced nor widowed but deserted. She is cast away and has no source of livelihood. Should the law be understood to mean that because she is technically not divorced, she cannot have the right to abort her pregnancy?” the bench further added. Read more: Is abortion legal in India? What does the law say? The court further added that the new interpretation of the law should also account for the situation when a birth control device fails. In such conditions, abortion is allowed till 20 weeks. However, the court wants the legislation to remain uniform and allow 24 weeks for all women. “Why should we not say that such a right be extended up to 24 weeks as all women are equally circumstanced to suffer the same mental agony of an unwanted pregnancy due to failure of birth control device,” The progressive stance taken by the Indian Supreme Court comes in stark contrast with the position taken by the US court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Supreme Court bats for same abortion limits for married & unmarried women

Researchers in Scotland reported Thursday that pregnant women with COVID-19 were not only at greater risk of developing severe disease, but also more likely to lose their fetuses and babies in the womb or shortly after birth, compared with other women who gave birth during the pandemic.

The risk of losing a baby through stillbirth or the first month of life was highest among women who delivered their babies within four weeks of the onset of a COVID-19 infection: 22.6 deaths for every 1,000 births, four times the rate in Scotland of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 births.

All of those deaths occurred in pregnancies among unvaccinated women, the researchers found. “Quite strikingly, no baby deaths occurred in women who had SARS-CoV-2 and were vaccinated,” said the paper’s first author, Dr. Sarah J. Stock, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Edinburgh Usher Institute in Exeter.

The study also found a higher rate of preterm birth among women diagnosed with COVID-19, a rate that spiked if the baby was born within a month of the mother falling ill. More than 16% of these women gave birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, compared with 8% among other women.

In Scotland, as in the United States, vaccination rates of pregnant women are low. Only one-third of pregnant women are vaccinated against the coronavirus, despite the protections afforded by immunization. Early research has found no evidence that the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines pose serious risks during pregnancy.

Indeed, the Scottish study found that the vast majority of infections among pregnant women were in those who were completely unvaccinated or were only partially vaccinated. Only 11% of the total infections were reported among fully vaccinated pregnant women.

Pregnant women who were unvaccinated were also four times as likely to be hospitalized, compared with vaccinated pregnant women.

Stock and her colleagues analyzed data collected by the COVID-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland study, a national cohort of all women who were pregnant or became pregnant after March 1, 2020, through the end of October 2021. The team tracked 144,546 pregnancies in 130,875 women during this period.

One weakness of the study is that the authors did not adjust for confounding factors, like maternal age or preexisting medical conditions, which could lead to poor pregnancy outcomes regardless of coronavirus infection or COVID-19 diagnosis (they also did not know whether women who were hospitalized were admitted because of COVID-19 disease or were just incidentally found to test positive at admission).

Vaccination rates are low among pregnant women across the board but are particularly low among younger women and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, the study noted. Future analyses will take these demographic factors and other confounding factors into account, the authors said.

Still, the discrepancies in hospitalization, premature birth and infant loss rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated women are so marked that those adjustments are unlikely to alter the conclusions, Stock and her colleagues said.

They urged pregnant women to get vaccinated, echoing the pleas of health officials in the United States.

“The key take home we’d love to get across is that really the best way to protect mother and baby is vaccination at the earliest opportunity, and that can be done at any stage of pregnancy,” said Aziz Sheikh, a population health researcher at the University of Edinburgh and another of the paper’s authors.

“We have enough information to bring the really strong message around promoting vaccination in pregnancy now,” said Rachael Wood, a consultant in public health medicine in Public Health Scotland and a member of the study team.

Researchers in Scotland reported Thursday that pregnant women with COVID-19 were not only at greater risk of developing severe disease, but also more likely to lose their fetuses and babies in the womb or shortly after birth, compared with other women who gave birth during the pandemic.

Researchers in Scotland reported Thursday that pregnant women with COVID-19 were not only at greater risk of developing severe disease, but also more likely to lose their fetuses and babies in the womb or shortly after birth, compared with other women who gave birth during the pandemic. The risk of losing a baby through stillbirth or the first month of life was highest among women who delivered their babies within four weeks of the onset of a COVID-19 infection: 22.6 deaths for every 1,000 births, four times the rate in Scotland of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 births. All of those deaths occurred in pregnancies among unvaccinated women, the researchers found. “Quite strikingly, no baby deaths occurred in women who had SARS-CoV-2 and were vaccinated,” said the paper’s first author, Dr. Sarah J. Stock, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Edinburgh Usher Institute in Exeter. The study also found a higher rate of preterm birth among women diagnosed with COVID-19, a rate that spiked if the baby was born within a month of the mother falling ill. More than 16% of these women gave birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, compared with 8% among other women. In Scotland, as in the United States, vaccination rates of pregnant women are low. Only one-third of pregnant women are vaccinated against the coronavirus, despite the protections afforded by immunization. Early research has found no evidence that the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines pose serious risks during pregnancy. Indeed, the Scottish study found that the vast majority of infections among pregnant women were in those who were completely unvaccinated or were only partially vaccinated. Only 11% of the total infections were reported among fully vaccinated pregnant women. Pregnant women who were unvaccinated were also four times as likely to be hospitalized, compared with vaccinated pregnant women. Stock and her colleagues analyzed data collected by the COVID-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland study, a national cohort of all women who were pregnant or became pregnant after March 1, 2020, through the end of October 2021. The team tracked 144,546 pregnancies in 130,875 women during this period. One weakness of the study is that the authors did not adjust for confounding factors, like maternal age or preexisting medical conditions, which could lead to poor pregnancy outcomes regardless of coronavirus infection or COVID-19 diagnosis (they also did not know whether women who were hospitalized were admitted because of COVID-19 disease or were just incidentally found to test positive at admission). Vaccination rates are low among pregnant women across the board but are particularly low among younger women and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, the study noted. Future analyses will take these demographic factors and other confounding factors into account, the authors said. Still, the discrepancies in hospitalization, premature birth and infant loss rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated women are so marked that those adjustments are unlikely to alter the conclusions, Stock and her colleagues said. They urged pregnant women to get vaccinated, echoing the pleas of health officials in the United States. “The key take home we’d love to get across is that really the best way to protect mother and baby is vaccination at the earliest opportunity, and that can be done at any stage of pregnancy,” said Aziz Sheikh, a population health researcher at the University of Edinburgh and another of the paper’s authors. “We have enough information to bring the really strong message around promoting vaccination in pregnancy now,” said Rachael Wood, a consultant in public health medicine in Public Health Scotland and a member of the study team.

Unvaccinated women with Covid are more likely to lose fetuses and infants, Scottish data shows

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