What NOT To Do While Pregnant. . .Part 3

We have been looking at things to avoid while pregnant. In this post, we are going to look at environmental chemicals that can pose a threat to the unborn baby.

WORKPLACE PRODUCTS -- SOLVENTS

Some household cleaning products contain solvents, which are chemicals that dissolve other substances. Common solvents include degreasers, paint thinners and varnish removers. Women who are exposed to solvents during the first trimester of pregnancy are more likely than unexposed women to have a baby with a major birth defect, such as spina bifida (and open spine), clubfoot, heart defects or deafness.

Products with solvents may include those used in processing photographs, or used for arts and crafts, used for silk-screen printing, graphic design and printing industry.

If you must come in contact with these chemicals in your workplace, make sure the area is well-ventilated, wear appropriate protective equipment and never eat or drink in the work area.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS -- CLEANING PRODUCTS

Household cleaning products may contain solvents. Oven cleaners may fit into this

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category. Read the label carefully to see if the product is safe for use during pregnancy.

Products containing ammonia or chlorine are not likely to harm the unborn baby, although the odors they produce may cause nausea in a pregnant woman. Always open doors and windows when using the products and wear rubber gloves. Never mix ammonia and chlorine because the combination produces toxic fumes that are dangerous for anyone, pregnant or not.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS -- PESTICIDES

Whenever possible, pregnant women should avoid pesticides. All pesticides are to some degree poisonous. Some studies indicate that exposure to pesticides increases the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor, but the level of exposure must be high. Some pesticides have weak, estrogen-like qualities called endocrine disrupters that some suspect may affect development of the fetus's reproductive system.

METALS -- LEAD

Lead poses a risk for everyone, but those at greatest risk are young children and unborn babies. Exposure to high levels of lead can contribute to miscarriage, preterm delivery and developmental delays in the infant. Women living in older homes may face more exposure due to deteriorating lead-based paint. Approximately 80% of homes built before 1978 were painted with lead-based paint. If the paint is not peeling or crumbling, there is little risk. Sanding or scraping the paint, however, produces lead dust. Therefore, lead-based paint should only be removed by professionals using the proper safety precautions.

Some art materials, such as oil paints, ceramic glazes and stained glass materials contain lead. A woman should use lead-free alternatives while pregnant and breastfeeding.

METALS - MERCURY

Pregnant women can become exposed to mercury by eating contaminated fish. The mercury accumulates in the fatty tissues of the fish and the highest levels of mercury is found in large fish that eat other fish, such as swordfish and sharks.

If you have any question about an item in your environment and its safety to you and your baby, the best thing is to avoid the item and ask your health care provider for guidance.