Ways to Safer Pregnancy : Home Detox (2)

    

7. Don’t use antibacterial products

Antibacterial products from soaps to socks are all the rage, but scientists believe that their rampant use is contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant “super germs.” 

It can be scary, not to mention annoying, to get sick when pregnant, but it’s best to avoid products containing antibacterial agents.

According to a theory called the hygiene hypothesis, living in a hyper-sanitized world created by antibacterials may also weaken our immune systems.

 The chemicals used in these products also create harm of their own. Most concerns revolve around triclosan, a common antibacterial ingredient found in the urine of 75% of Americans.

It’s believed to be an endocrine disruptor that inhibits estrogen sulfotransferase, a key placental enzyme needed for a healthy pregnancy. 

Other studies link it to fetal nervous system damage, low birth weight, and thyroid dysfunction. 

In late 2013, the FDA proposed a rule requiring manufacturers of antibacterial hand soap and body wash to prove their products are more effective than soap and water in preventing illness and spreading infection, as well as requiring them to prove their products are safe for long-term use.

In the meantime, pregnant moms can scrutinize the labels of personal care items, cleaners, and other products. Skip those containing triclosan or claiming that they are antibacterial or odor fighting. Thankfully regular hand washing has been shown to be just as effective at removing germs as antibacterial soaps. Lather up.

      8. Kill the pesticides

It comes as no surprise to learn that pesticides— toxic chemicals deliberately designed to kill living things—are also capable of inflicting in utero harm. 

Prenatal exposure to these dangerous toxins can affect cranial growth and head circumference, impair neurological development, and cause urogenital defects, limb birth defects, and circulatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal malformations, to name just a few outcomes. 

So steer clear of pesticides of all kinds when you’re pregnant. Embrace your lawn and garden as it is. If you have an infestation inside the house, use the least toxic methods available to address it. 

Most pests can be avoided with prevention—so keep your kitchen clean, even if you feel too tired and hormonal most nights to clean up. Be aware that pesticides are found in more than just insect sprays. 

They also hide in insect traps and baits, pet products like flea and tick collars, shampoos, and treatments, lice shampoos, insect-repellent clothing, and non-organic produce.

9. Don’t handle thermal paper

Thermal paper used for cash register and other receipts as well as in fax machines and similar devices often contain the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), which is easily absorbed through the skin. 

According to various studies, fetal exposure to BPA can disrupt development, impair growth, cause behavioral and emotional problems in toddlers, and trigger asthma and breast cancer later in life, among other effects. 

BPA has also been linked to a greater risk of miscarriage. It’s nearly impossible to avoid BPA entirely, since it’s ubiquitous. But you can minimize your exposure. If you don’t need a receipt, don’t take it. 

Ask cashiers to place necessary receipts in your bag. Don’t store receipts in your wallet. 

Wash your hands well after handling both receipts and money—which constantly rubs up against receipts in wallets everywhere—and especially before eating. Resist the urge to use hand sanitizer after handling receipts—studies show it actually boosts BPA absorption.

10.Reconsider your mattress

We spend approximately a third of our lives in bed, on our mattresses. When pregnant, that ratio often increases. Unfortunately these horizontal sanctuaries are not always as healthy as they could be. 

To meet flammability safety standards, many mattresses contain flame retardant chemicals of concern. And the foams inside new mattresses may also emit VOCs . 

It can be difficult for consumers to find out what chemicals or materials a specific mattress contains or is made of due to manufacturer secrecy. 

If you have the budget to replace your mattress with one made from natural materials that don’t require toxic chemical flame retardants to meet flammability standards, now is a good moment to do it.

Wool, cotton, organic cotton, and natural latex are good alternatives to polyurethane foam. Wool and or/cotton futons are an affordable option.

 Consider these issues when shopping for a crib mattress, too. If you choose to encapsulate an old mattress in an effort to keep the chemical dust in, rather than replace it, make sure not to use a PVC plastic cover. Using vinyl  would be adding insult to injury.

   11.Remove your carpet foams and padding if possible

Carpet foam is typically treated with flame retardants that can escape into your home’s environment. One study found that almost 90% of foams tested contained one or more flame retardants considered toxic. 

Though the U.S. phased out the use of several problematic types in 2004, others remain, especially in older homes, and banned varieties may still appear in imported foams.

Flame retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are suspected of altering the thyroid hormones of pregnant women, which researchers suspect may lead to smaller wwfetuses and reductions in intelligence and motor skills. 

They’ve also been linked to neurodevelopment delays. Carpet foams are prone to decay, and the dust they create is typically laden with flame retardants. 

If you can, have these foams removed—this is not a DIY home project for a pregnant mom! Make sure the person doing the work uses caution not to stir up excessive dust or to leave particles behind. Have the space cleaned, with similar caution, when the work is done. 

Similarly, remove any pads you may have under area rugs. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting—or even if you don’t—invest in a HEPA vacuum, which prevents dust from being blown back into household air. Vacuum regularly and avoid prolonged direct contact with padded carpeting.