In pregnancy, every day makes for a new and mystifying adventure for first-time moms. As our bodies do the work of creating precious life, we have to need to know ways to take care of ourselves, and do what makes us safe and feel good.
On a daily basis, we live in environmental hazards that we may not be aware of, from our homes, workplaces or in the air around us. When exposing to these hazards during pregnancy, it may cause negative health effects for the mother and baby. In some cases, even low levels of exposure may put the fetus at risk.
If you are worried about the various reasons that could harm you and your unborn child, keep reading to become aware of the environmental hazards you should avoid during pregnancy.
Cleaning Products
There are lots of chemicals used in cleaning products. Make sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions for warnings for pregnant women. Stand away from anything labeled “toxic.”
Cleaning products often contain a substance called Glycol Ether that is found in oven cleaners and window cleaners. It is so dangerous to expose with Glycol Ether since it can increase your chances of a miscarriage and harm your health. Cleaning products also contain Phenol which is a substance cause an increase in the chances of birth defects. In severe cases, that can also cause fetal death.
How To Avoid
- The best solution is to ask someone else to use such products while you are pregnant
- If you have to use cleaning products, take natural products instead, which can be safer to use during pregnancy
- And make sure to wear thick rubber gloves, and open the windows to get rid of the fumes.
Pesticides
Among the many environmental hazards, pesticides are the most dangerous for women in pregnancy.
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill insects, fungi, plants, rodents, etc. They are found on fruits, vegetables, in gardens and parks, and most places plants grow.
Pesticides contain a lot of toxic materials that are extremely harmful to our health when inhaling. Pesticides contain chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer and cause various birth defects.
How To Avoid
- Make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them, whether raw or in a cooked form
- Always wash your hands after exposure with any form of pesticide or even pesticide containers
- Avoid the area where you suspect Apesticide is being used.
Mercury
Seafood, which includes fish and shellfish, can be a great source of protein, iron and zinc which are crucial nutrients for your baby’s growth, especially brain development.
Mercury — a toxic material that does not break down in the environment in water, is found at a high level in certain fish, particularly large, predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you need to reconsider bringing it to your meal. When you regularly eat fish high in mercury, the substance can accumulate in your bloodstream over time. Too much mercury in your bloodstream could harm your baby’s developing brain and nervous system.
How To Avoid
During pregnancy, switch to eat fish that are low in mercury, like shrimp, salmon, pollock, catfish and canned light tuna.
Lead
Lead is found in the paint and pipes present in older homes. Other sources of lead include drinking water from old pipes, some ceramic dishes, wicks of scented candles.
If you come to contact with Lead that can result in premature birth, miscarriage, low birth weight and delay in the developmental milestones. It can affect your baby’s behavioral and cognitive skills when growing.
How To Avoid
- Ask for help to check for the presence of lead in your drinking water
- Use a reverse osmosis water filter such as the “Brita” type
- Always make sure to read labels and avoid this chemical as much as possible.
Beauty Products
Cosmetics and skincare products contain various chemicals that may be quite harmful to both you and your unborn baby. Chemicals used in nail salons are very dangerous. You should avoid them while you are pregnant. Hair products such as dyes, permanents, and straighteners are safe to use in small amounts during pregnancy. Until now, there are no reports that this exposure is harmful to you or your baby.
You might break out with various skin ailments when pregnancy due to increased blood flow and hormones. The use of medication to treat it is not advisable during pregnancy.
How To Avoid
- Avoid using cosmetics as much as possible
- Try using natural products instead that are safe for you and your unborn baby
- Read the label and understand the list of ingredients
- Recommended use well-known-brand cosmetics.
Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol are extremely dangerous for you and your baby. Exposure to smoking and alcohol in pregnancy increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Maternal alcohol consumption and or smoking during pregnancy would alter the baby’s autonomic nervous system function.
The smoke from other people’s cigarettes or other tobacco products, second-hand smoke, is also very dangerous for both you and your unborn baby.
How To Avoid
- Stop using smoking and drinking alcohol
- Do not go to places where people smoke.
Conclusion
Pregnancy requires you to be safe and alert about what you expose. Sometimes, your home may a place that contains many hazardous elements that you are not always aware of. Always make sure to read labels and avoid environmental hazards as much as possible. Keep tips in mind and share other mothers about it, to enable them to become aware of experiencing a stress-free pregnancy. Happy pregnancy!