Pregnancy: beware of toxic substances

Toxic substances in pregnancy

Every day a pregnant woman comes into contact with at least 43 toxic substancesand, potentially very dangerous for the development of the unborn child and for the pregnancy. This is the alarm raised by the experts of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists who published a report on the risks for pregnancy linked to environmental pollution. And according to a study conducted by the experts of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Rcog) they would be hundreds and toxic and potentially harmful substances with which pregnant women come into contact every day. The sobering fact is that most women not only do not know the risks of exposure to these substances, but also underestimate the potential harm caused by certain products deemed safe.

Dangerous chemicals in pregnancy

What are the substances considered most dangerous for a pregnant woman?

• Il mercury it is in the first places: it accumulates in some fish, especially large ones such as tuna, swordfish, Marlin. It can therefore be taken through food and can reach the fetus, increasing the risk of malformations and brain damage.
• Nicotine: It is important to quit smoking because nicotine can increase the risk of placenta problems, premature birth, miscarriage and asthma in the baby
• Pesticides, widely used in agriculture, can cause serious problems. They increase the risk of infertility, and prenatal exposure to pesticides can promote the onset of childhood cancer. Furthermore, recent research has emphasized the risks associated with exposure to glyphosate, one of the most used pesticides in agriculture, but also in streets and city parks. According to these studies, glyphosate increases the risk of childbirth before 38 weeks.
• Endocrine disruptors e phthalates: Numerous researches conducted over the past 15 years have shown that some toxic chemicals - from the well known bisphenol A phthalates - can cause damage to the health of women and the unborn child and that many of these dangerous substances are present in commonly used products, such as cosmetics, detergents and beauty products.

Inhaling toxic substances during pregnancy, risks

We start from the premise that pregnancy is not a disease and that we live in a polluted world: it is impossible to close ourselves in a glass dome to avoid coming into contact with all potentially dangerous or toxic substances. Already when we use detergents or when we put on nail polish or go out for a walk we risk breathing chemicals, so unless we carry out a risky job that leads us to come into contact with solvents, acids and very toxic substances (and in in this case we can ask for a change of duties or early maternity leave), all we have to do is pay some extra care:

• avoid using bleach or ammonia or acids in cleaning the house;
• do not use solvents or decide to start painting an old piece of furniture while we are pregnant;
• always ventilate the home well;
• wear a face mask when cleaning or applying nail polish.

Breathe detergent when pregnant

In the choice of cleaning products and detergents when you are pregnant it is better to prefer organic products, based on natural substances and maybe wash with baking soda or vinegar or citric acid. It is better to completely avoid products that have a pungent odor, which can worsen headaches and nausea, and which can be harmful, so banning ammonia, acids, bleaches, etc.

If you are using a disinfectant spray that contains substances that are preferable not to breathe, wear one mask and handle the products with gloves.

Viakal in pregnancy

Il Viakal, like other descalers, is widely used in house cleaning every day, but when you are expecting a baby you do not know whether it is dangerous to use it. Many women report hyper-sensitivity to herbs which prevents you from using this, like many other hygiene products that have a pungent odor, because it increases nausea, migraines and discomfort. For this reason it is preferable to use a single product for the hygiene of sinks and hobs that is both disinfectant and degreaser.

Read also: What to do and not to do in pregnancy

Chlorine in pregnancy

Swimming is undoubtedly one of the best sports in pregnancy and there are no studies showing that the chlorine, which is used to disinfect water from swimming pools, could harm the baby or compromise the pregnancy. Among other things, chlorine is contained, in safe and controlled doses, also indrinking water coming out of the tap.

Cosmetics to avoid

The scientific document published by the experts of the Rcog is titled "Chemical exposure" shows that the list of potentially dangerous products is really long and there is no shortage of creams, detergents, herbal teas and foods that are innocently used every day.

Instead, according to the researchers, many of these products contain dangerous substances whose effects are too often underestimated, such as:

• increased risk of premature birth,
• abnormalities in the development of the immune system of the fetus,
• decreased fertility in both women and children who will be born,
• birth defects,
• increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.

However, there is no need to get involved with easy and excessive alarmism. In general, i can continue to be used during pregnancy own make-up and cosmetics, using some extra attention to hygiene, for example it is important not to share make-up brushes, lipsticks and other make-up items and products.

Particular care with the use of creme, some are contraindicated in pregnancy, for example those against cellulite and even stretch marks, so it is always important to read the labels and avoid facial skin care products that contain substances such as:

• retinol (found in some anti-aging creams)
• benzoyl peroxide (or benzoperoxide or benzoyl peroxide) and salicylic acid
• idrochinone

Pregnant beautician, yes or no?

In principle, the green light to:

• manicure,
• hair dyes,
• anti-cellulite massages,
• cosmetics based on natural substances,
• face moisturizers and firming creams to prevent stretch marks.

From the beautician, therefore, we can do the manicure and pedicure, while if we want to treat ourselves to a prenatal massage it is better to rely on a specialized operator. As for the enamel be careful to wear a mask so as not to breathe substances such as i cyanoacrylates, which give the glazes their typical pungent odor. And we always go to beauty centers that 100% meet the requirements necessary to guarantee hygiene and safety.