Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : October 9, 2014 5:10 PM IST
The environment around us has a lot of toxins and pollutants which we hardly care about. But their ill-effects become more potent during pregnancy, harming both the mother and the baby. Below is a list of things you should keep a distance from during your pregnancy to ensure the safety of your child.
Harmful radiations at your workplace: You can be exposed to radiations of all kinds either at home or at your workplace. Knowing the culprits help you deal with them better. For instance, the blueprint photocopier at your workplace emits ammonia and acetic vapours that can cause irritation in the eyes, throat and nose. Even the photocopying machine emits harmful ozone vapours. Your constant companions the laptop and the smartphone are no less hazardous. They are all known to emit low grade radiations throughout. 'All electronic items send out radiations which are known to cause intrauterine growth retardation and interfere with the brain development of the fetus. However know that the exposure levels have to be really high to cause any noticeable damage in your baby,' says Sonali Shivlani, an Internationally Certified Pregnancy, Lactation and Child Nutrition Counselor. As a precautionary measure limit your usage of electronic items during your pregnancy. This will ensure that you harm your baby less with your everyday work. Stop working overtime and stay away from your smartphone and laptop once you get home. For the same reasons avoid frequenting the Wifi-network areas for long hours.
Passive smoking: Smoking is a strict no-no during pregnancy. But what about second hand smoke? Well it's equally bad for you and your baby. To stay away from the toxic second-hand smoke avoid visiting the smoking zone of your office often, ask your spouse to stay away from you while he smokes. Know why you should quit smoking during pregnancy.
Pets: Pets can be fun and also double-up as your stress buster during pregnancy, but their presence can pose a threat to your wellbeing at times. In case your pet sheds too much fur you can be at a risk of developing a respiratory infection during your pregnancy which can harm the fetus. Cleaning the litter of your pet especially your cat or your dog, can increase your chances of getting infected with toxoplasmosis, an infection that is transmitted from the faeces of diseased animals. If you pick up an infection chances are that you can pass on the infection to your baby escalating the chances of a stillbirth or a miscarriage. To avoid this occurrence make sure that you take your pet to a veterinary doctor before planning your pregnancy.
Bathroom and furniture cleaners: While picking up a bathroom or floor cleaner check that it doesn't contain a certain chemical called 'creosol' which can be easily absorbed through the skin and contribute towards fetal damage. For the same reason give furniture and tile cleaners loaded with turpentine and sodium phosphate a miss as they can also cause considerable damage to the baby if inhaled and give rise to skin irritation in the mother. Instead use Ylang Ylang oil in a bucket of water with neem powder to clean your bathroom and the floors. Alternatively use baking soda mixed with water to clean your furniture and scrub your tiles.
Laundry detergents: Next time you take your clothes for dry cleaning ask if chemicals like benzene, sulfuric acid or toluene are used as spot removers. These chemicals that are easily inhaled and absorbed through the skin can cause skin rashes and give rise to complications in your baby's developing nervous system. Ask for alternatives to chemicals or stick to the normal method of cleaning and drying at home.
Kitchen appliances: Microwave ovens or any other kitchen appliances that leak radiant heat carry a potential risk to damage your baby. Have your microwave and other kitchen appliances that run on electricity checked during your pregnancy. Do not use any appliance that is rusted. Give the microwave a miss if the seal around the doors are damaged or the door doesn't shut properly. Also stay away from the oven when it is in use.
Lead exposure: If you are planning a renovation of your house then know that pregnancy is not a good time to get it done. The lead in the paint or the inhaled scrapes of the wall (while scraping is done) can lead to a lead allergy or infection in the expectant mum and this can affect the fetus as well. This can cause retarded growth and give rise to birth defects too.
Chemical radiations: In case your work requires you to visit manufacturing plants or you stay close to one that increases your chances of inhaling large amounts of fumes, solvents or other toxins, think of ways to reduce their effect. Either look for a job change or talk to your employer for a different kind of placement. In case of your home, try to relocate at a place where you can breathe in more of fresh air. 'The mother's exposure to chemicals especially during the first trimester of the pregnancy can cause damage to organ development phase of the fetus and also result in certain birth defects,' says Sonali.
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