Maternal exposure to environmental noise: current evidence on pregnancy outcomes

Authors

Abstract

Noise pollution has emerged as an important health issue, particularly in densely populated urban settings. While the effects of noise pollution on the hearing and brain are being extensively studied, the emerging research points to a profound potential impact on reproductive health, predominantly during pregnancy. Scientific data suggests the association of some of the health issues of the mother and fetus with the exposure to environmental noise during pregnancy, which include low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), gestational hypertension, and impaired development of the fetus. Despite growing evidence, there remain significant research gaps regarding dose-response relationships, long-term effects on offspring, and the differential impacts based on socioeconomic and geographic factors.
This review seeks to thoroughly consolidate existing information about the diverse effects of noise pollution during the gestational period. It investigates the main contributors to environmental noise, including traffic, industrial operations, and construction activities, while analyzing the biological processes that may affect both maternal and fetal health due to noise exposure. Possible mechanisms include hormonal changes induced by stress, sleep disruptions, and cardiovascular stress, all of which can adversely affect the intrauterine environment. By bringing attention to these concerns, we aim to enhance awareness and guide future research and policy initiatives, ultimately striving to improve reproductive health outcomes and encourage healthier urban living conditions.

Keywords

Introduction

Although there is no agreed-upon single definition of noise pollution, it can best be defined as “unwanted or excessive sound that can have deleterious effects on human health, wildlife, and environmental quality.” Unwanted or harmful sounds from transportation, industry, or community sources are a growing public health concern.
Loudness is quantified using logarithmic units known as decibels. The sound that the human being is capable of hearing ranges from zero to one hundred forty decibels. The loudness of sound between one hundred twenty to one hundred forty can induce pain, known as the pain threshold. The Loudness is also referred to as sound pressure level (SPL).
In a library, the typical ambient SPL is around thirty-five decibels, whereas within a moving vehicle, it is approximately eighty-five decibels. The SPL could be one hundred and five at the site of construction. It is important to note that SPLs diminish as the distance from the source increases [1].
Wang et al reported that the risk of pre-eclampsia increases after exposure to occupational noise in expecting mothers [2]. A study conducted between 1999 and 2002 found a negative correlation between noise pollution & birth weight at term [3]. Living within 50 meters of highways has been linked to a 22% rise in the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) [4]. Exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy and fertilization may influence future health outcomes. The stages of pregnancy and infancy represent critical periods of susceptibility.
Increased noise exposure to the expecting mother correlates with the greater crown-rump length. Nevertheless, no relationship was observed with fetal growth metrics, neonatal measurements, or negative birth outcomes [5].
Pregnant individuals may be especially susceptible to its effects because of the physiological & psychological changes in pregnancy. While air and chemical pollution have garnered considerable focus, the impact of noise as an environmental stressor has not been thoroughly investigated in relation to maternal and fetal health. Recognizing its effects is essential for informing public health initiatives and addressing environmental inequalities.

Materials and Methods

Search Strategy
The research is performed across databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus & Google Scholar, to find out the peer- reviewed publications that examined the possibility of a link between noise pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The search encompassed publications from [insert year range, e.g., January 2000 to March 2025]. The following keywords are used for the search: “noise pollution”, “traffic noise”, “aircraft noise”, “pregnancy outcome”, “birth outcome”, “low birth weight”, “preterm birth”, “miscarriage”, “stillbirth”, and “maternal exposure”. Boolean operators (AND, OR) and truncation symbols were employed to enhance sensitivity and precision.
Inclusion Criteria
• Peer-reviewed articles
• Publications in English
• Human epidemiological studies (cohort, case-control, or cross- sectional designs)
• Assessed noise exposure during pregnancy
• Reported at least one quantifiable pregnancy outcome (birth weight, gestational age, incidence of preterm birth, stillbirth, or fetal growth restriction)
• Provided clearly defined exposure assessment methods and outcome measures
Exclusion Criteria Included
• Non-human (animal or in vitro) studies
• Editorials, commentaries, and conference abstracts without full text
• Studies with insufficient methodological detail or lacking outcome data
Study Selection & Data Extraction
The research papers were screened initially on the basis of titles and abstracts. The full text articles of the selected papers are collected for the review process. Two independent reviewers conducted the process, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. A structured form is employed for the collection of information from each paper, which includes the following details:
• Author(s), year of publication, and country of research
• Study design and sample size
• Population demographics
• Type, level, and source of noise exposure
• Exposure Assessment Methodology (e.g., modeling, monitoring, self-report)
• Pregnancy outcomes and definitions
• Confounders are adjusted for in statistical analysis
• Main findings and effect estimates
Quality Assessment
The methodological quality and risk of bias of included studies were appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for non-randomized studies. Studies have been evaluated on the basis of study groups as well as the assessment of outcomes. The studies were scored from zero to nine, and on the basis of scores, these studies have been categorized as high, moderate, or low quality accordingly.
Ethical Approval
This piece is a review of the current literature and does not present any new research involving human participants or animals carried out by the authors. Consequently, there was no need for ethical approval.

Results

Analysis of various studies indicated high associations between prenatal noise exposure and a range of negative outcomes for both mothers and fetuses. The studies have shown that both occupational and environmental noise are associated with heightened risks of conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, PTB, LBW, SGA infants, and congenital defects [2, 6, 7]. Several investigations [3, 8, 9] have identified a connection between noise levels exceeding 80–85 dB and adverse birth outcomes, while others [10, 11] have linked high noise exposure to maternal mental health challenges, including anxiety and antepartum depression. Specifically, noise from traffic and railways has been associated with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and increased maternal weight gain [12, 13, 14]. Conversely, one study [15] found no link between noise exposure and psychotic experiences, and another [16] suggested that the overall impact remains unclear, highlighting the necessity for additional research. Results are summarized in Table 1.

Discussion

Many studies revealed the significant association of noise pollution and negative effects on the mother and the infant. Certain studies indicated potential associations between heightened noise exposure and increased risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. There is an overall confidence that the elevated noise impact on all outcomes was minimal. This low certainty stems from issues related to risk of bias, variability among studies, and imprecision in the effect estimates [20].
Certain studies did not show a correlation with birth weight, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, or perinatal and neonatal mortality. Some studies revealed the linkage of chronic noise exposure to increased systolic blood pressure and high levels of stress hormones in the urine and saliva of children [21].
Figure I gives a summary of the pathogenesis of noise pollution on congenital anomalies, perinatal mortality, and congenital hearing impairments [22, 23].
The presentation of possible pathways and biological mechanisms from noise to congenital anomalies and perinatal mortality [22, 23] .
The important thing to note here is that most of the studies have been done in countries with strict regulations for noise and pollution control, but none of the study seems to have been done in countries where pollution is rampant and uncontrolled, like in parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, etc.
Sources and Exposure Assessment
Environmental noise commonly originates from different vehicles (traffic on roads, railways, and airplanes), industrial and occupational activities, as well as construction work. The measurement of exposure is usually expressed in decibels (dB), with levels exceeding 55 dB(A) regarded as potentially detrimental, particularly when experienced over extended durations [24]. Research has employed both objective monitoring techniques and self-reported assessments; however, the inconsistency in evaluation methods continues to be a limitation within the existing literature.
Biological Mechanisms of Action
Environmental noise can influence pregnancy outcomes through various interconnected mechanisms:
Neuroendocrine Response: The noise exposure activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to increased cortisol release and catecholamines. Increased levels of maternal cortisol have been linked to changes in placental function and hindered fetal development [25].
Sleep Disruption: Nighttime noise negatively affects sleep quality, which is associated with maternal fatigue, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular irregularities—elements that can lead to negative outcomes during pregnancy [26].
Chronic exposure to noise can result in endothelial dysfunction and higher blood pressure, which may elevate the likelihood of developing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia [27].
Psychological Stress and Mental Health: Noise serves as a persistent environmental stressor that can lead to increased anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant individuals. Both of these conditions are linked to adverse birth outcomes [28].
Epidemiological Evidence
Several cohort studies have established the association between exposure to noise in pregnancy and a higher occurrence of LBW. A meta-analysis indicated a significant statistical relationship between chronic noise exposure exceeding 65 decibels and the risk of LBW [29].
Exposure to noise, especially in the third trimester, has been correlated with preterm delivery. A systematic review from 2019 revealed that this exposure raises the risk of PTB by 1.2 to 1.4 times [30]. Scientific evidence points to an association of noise pollution and a greater risk of gestational hypertension & preeclampsia [31]. Newer findings suggest that significant noise exposure to pregnant women negatively impacts the development of the fetal auditory system and early neurodevelopment [32].
Disparities and Vulnerable Populations
Low-income and marginalized populations are at higher risk of noise pollution, largely due to their proximity to transportation corridors, industrial facilities, and areas with high housing density. This ‘environmental inequity’ could further deepen the disparities observed in maternal and infant health outcomes [33]. A collective effort is required for the reduction of the toxicities of excessive noise pollution.
To safeguard maternal-fetal health, multi-level strategies are needed. Some of the recommendations can be as follows; Public health implications and recommendations
1. Policy and Regulation: Implementing WHO recommendations for acceptable environmental noise levels and incorporating noise evaluations into urban development plans.
2. Workplace Protections: Enhancing occupational safety standards for expectant mothers working in noisy environments.
3. Clinical Counseling: Including environmental exposure records in prenatal care and providing guidance to patients on methods to minimize noise exposure.
4. Urban Planning: Noise barriers, green spaces, and zoning laws to buffer residential areas from highways/airports.
• Public Health Measures: WHO’s recommended noise limits (<55 dB daytime, <45 dB nighttime) should be enforced, especially near hospitals and schools.
• Individual-Level Solutions: Soundproofing homes, white noise machines, and stress-reduction techniques (e.g., mindfulness) for at-risk pregnant individuals.

Limitations

Despite the increasing evidence connecting noise pollution to negative pregnancy outcomes, several limitations must be recognized. First, numerous studies depend on observational and epidemiological designs, which, although informative, cannot prove causality due to possible confounding factors like air pollution, socioeconomic status, and maternal health behaviors. Second, the inconsistency in methods for assessing noise exposure, ranging from self-reported data to modeled or measured environmental noise, can influence the accuracy and comparability of findings across different studies. Third, there is a lack of standardization in defining exposure thresholds and timing, complicating the identification of critical vulnerability periods during gestation. Furthermore, most existing research is geographically focused on high-income countries, which restricts the applicability of findings to low and middle- income contexts where noise exposure patterns and healthcare access vary significantly. Lastly, the biological mechanisms that explain the observed associations are still not thoroughly investigated, highlighting the necessity for interdisciplinary research that combines environmental science, obstetrics, and neurodevelopmental biology.

Conclusion

Noise pollution is a modifiable, significant environmental risk factor that may influence pregnancy outcomes through complex physiological mechanisms. This is an under-recognized risk factor. The current evidence suggests the associations of noise pollution with LBW, PTB, and hypertensive disorders. More studies are necessary to clarify dose-response relationships and explore epigenetic effects. Integrating noise exposure into environmental health policy and prenatal care protocols is essential to improve maternal-child health and address health disparities. KKV necessity and noise-proof housing, low noise emissions, and health education cannot be undermined.

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