Certain things in the environment, whether natural or artificial, can pose threats to humans. For example, mushrooms grow naturally, but unless you’re a botanist, it’s not suggested you pick one up and eat it because of the possible risks.
Likewise, toxins like toluene are manmade, yet very dangerous, which is why there are strict rules governing how they’re handled.
For women, some toxins or environmental factors pose a greater hazard.
Certain chemicals for example can lead to serious illnesses like cancer, lung disease, or even reproductive system problems.
Pregnant women though have additional risk when it comes to toxic substances.
Exposure to lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, pesticides, solvents and many household chemicals can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage or premature birth. These chemicals of course can have harmful effects on the developing fetus as well – some of these effects can even last a lifetime.
Some of the most common toxins affecting pregnant women and unborn fetuses include:
- Pesticides on foods – many foods are sprayed with dangerous chemicals to kill insects and rodents. While these can affect just about anyone, harsh chemicals can pose additional hazards to an unborn fetus and can cause nausea and vomiting in pregnant women
- Paint/wood varnish fumes – fumes from paints and other type of substances can lead to early delivery or even brain damage to an unborn child. They can also cause nausea in pregnant women
- Aerosol products – items like hairspray and others may release certain chemicals into the air than can cause an accelerated heartbeat and even brain damage in an unborn child. Nausea is also common among pregnant women exposed to these chemicals
While it is possible to mitigate exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy, it is downright impossible to avoid them all. However, with some diligence, you can dramatically reduce the risk of harm to yourself or your child.
First thing you can do is inventory what’s in your home – you’d be surprised to learn about the toxins that are literally right under your nose. Keep any weed killers, cleaners, detergents and so on in a separate area that’s well ventilated. Try and avoid especially toxic items like pest poisons or products with flame retardants.
In fact, it’s advised you completely avoid insecticides in your yard or home for the duration of your pregnancy – some of the chemicals for instance can become airborne and be inhaled. If you’re pregnant, this can pose additional risk to your child.
Also, try and find foods that have not been sprayed with pesticides, if possible. If nothing else, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, and read all ingredient labels.
Last but not least, keep your nose to the ground!
Your sense of smell is perhaps the best way to limit exposure to environmental toxins – a pregnant woman’s sense of smell is already elevated, which may suggest this is some sort of survival instinct. If you smell something funny, get out of the area as fast as you can. If something smells noxious, it’s probably dangerous to your unborn child.
Addressing toxins in your surroundings can go a long way toward ensuring you and your baby stay healthy.
To discuss these and other risks to be aware of during pregnancy, we invite you to browse around our pregnancy blog and knowledge center, or call and schedule an appointment with pregnancy physicians at Gainesville’s All About Women today.
