Tips to Avoid Toxic Chemicals Before, During, and After Pregnancy

An article from Women’s Voices for the Earth, April 2014 newsletter.

Babies can be particularly vulnerable to
toxic exposures during certain windows of
development. Some of these windows occur very
early on, before a woman even knows she is pregnant,
many occur during pregnancy, and some occur after
birth as the child grows. The good news is that mothers
who take good care of their health by getting enough
sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly can boost
their bodies’ defenses against toxic chemical exposure
that can otherwise be hard to control.
Increasingly, research indicates that unnecessary
exposures to toxic chemicals in the home may be taking
a toll on health of women and babies. Here are some
simple tips for avoiding toxic chemicals before, during,
and after your pregnancy to help give you and your
baby a healthy advantage.

Make Your Own Cleaning Products. It’s easy, fun, and cheap to make non-toxic cleaners
from safe and effective ingredients like vinegar and
baking soda. Find recipes on the WVE website.

WHY? Certain chemicals in cleaning products have
been linked to reduced fertility, birth defects, increased
risk of breast cancer, asthma, and hormone disruption.
Not to mention the fumes from some cleaners can be
overwhelming for a pregnant woman’s heightened sense
of smell.

Avoid Synthetic Fragrance.  Shop for cleaners, laundry detergents, and personal
care products labeled “fragrance-free.” Warning:
“Unscented” does not always mean fragrance-free!

Don’t use air fresheners. Find tips on the WVE
website to reduce odors around the home naturally.

WHY? Synthetic fragrance can be made up hundreds of chemicals, which manufacturers are legally allowed to keep secret from consumers. Common fragrance chemicals include phthalates (linked to reproductive and developmental harm) and synthetic musks (potential)  risks of breast cancer).

Some Chemicals of Concern Detected in
Pregnant Women’s Bodies
and/or Breastmilk:

• Bisphenol-A: receipts, canned foods
• Flame retardants (PBDEs): furniture, electronics,
• foam-padded baby products
• Triclosan: antibacterial cleaners, antibacterial handsoap
• Benzophenones: sunscreens
• Pesticides: food, insect repellents, lawn chemicals
• Phthalates and Synthetic Musks: fragrance, cosmetics, air fresheners, scented cleaners
• PFOAs: non-stick cookware
• Parabens: personal care products

Make Over Your Personal Care

• Read the label to avoid chemicals like parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, mercury (thimerosal), benzophenones and placenta.
• Check the Skin Deep database at cosmeticsdatabase.com to find safer products or see how yours measure up.
• Use fewer products, and use them less frequently to reduce exposures.

WHY? Personal care products contain a wide variety
of chemicals, including some known to be of concern,
and many that lack research to prove safety for women’s
health. These products are applied directly to our skin
where they are easily absorbed into our bodies.
Go “BPA-Free”.  Ditch the canned foods and opt for fresh or frozen
fruits and vegetables instead. Look for products packaged in glass or lined
cardboard instead of cans.