5 Risky Things Inside Your Home That Could Be Harmful During Pregnancy
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Pregnancy is the time in a woman’s life when she is pampered a lot. She is extra careful about what she puts into her body. Being a pregnant woman comes with a lot of responsibilities. You are not only taking care of yourself but also the life growing inside you. You start to exercise, eat healthily, stay hydrated, and get sufficient rest. You consume food that is nutritious for you and your baby and switch to a healthy lifestyle. It is one of the few times a mom-to-be can ask for massages, foot rubs, and special pampering sessions, and it is not considered being overboard. There are several things to consider when pregnant, and one crucial aspect is how safe your surroundings are. You could be living the most healthy life, but if you are amidst things that are harmful for you or your baby, you would just be causing complications for your pregnancy. So let’s look at 5 items in your home that could be risky for your health during pregnancy:
1. Plastic
It is no surprise that we are surrounded by items made of plastic. From plastic bottles, containers, and buckets to plastic bags, boxes, and bins, our homes are filled with items made of plastic. Not only is it a harmful pollutant to the environment, but it also adversely affects your baby. A recent study showed that women exposed to phthalates, which is a chemical component of plastic, can increase stress levels and result in premature birth (1).
2. Cosmetic Products
Most pregnant women are aware that they should avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeinated drinks. But little do they do that even their daily moisturizers, face creams, lipsticks, shampoo, and other makeup items can pose a threat to their health during pregnancy. Cosmetic products like mascara, foundation, lotions, perfume, lipstick, and other such products are made with harmful chemicals. Parabens, phthalates, and other heavy metals may cause preterm birth, miscarriage, low birth weight babies, and perinatal mortality (2).
3. Insect Repellents
It is common for every expecting mother to use insect repellents to keep themselves safe from insect-induced diseases like malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. But did you know that the chemicals used in insect repellents can be incredibly harmful to the health of a mom-to-be and her baby? These chemicals contain poisonous substances, and exposure to them may cause miscarriages, preterm birth, and other congenital disabilities. Boric acid is considered a safer option (3). You could also avoid going outdoors, wear fully covered clothes, and keep your doors and windows closed to prevent insects from entering your space.
4. Paints
Paint fumes may be harmful to your unborn baby if you’re overexposed to it. Most solvent-based paints contain chemicals such as latex, enamel, and lead, which may be detrimental for your baby. Therefore, avoid using them. But if you want to decorate your baby’s room, opt for water-based paints instead and ensure that the area is well ventilated to remove the fumes and other toxins from the air.
5. Indoor Pollutants
Poor air quality in your homes may also be dangerous for your unborn baby. You may not be aware of the pollutants hiding in your homes, but it’s best to install an air purifier to clean out the air you breathe. Besides, pollen and other allergy-inducing particles might be in your home, which may trigger allergic reactions. Exposure to these toxins in the air may cause fetal growth and developmental issues that may be fatal (4).
Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes. Apart from your lifestyle, sleep pattern, and diet, these are a few other things that you need to take care of. As a mom-to-be, you might be worried about your baby’s possible threats because you only want the best for them. We hope this article helped you. Share it with your friends and family to spread the word!
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