Environmental Things to Avoid While Pregnant
When pregnant, it's better to err on the side of caution. Whether it is avoiding certain foods or staying away from certain activities, being safe never hurts. However, when it comes to the environment, not everything is within your control. In theory, many elements of the environment pose risks to a fetus. However, only a small fraction of known birth defects and pregnancy complications are associated with environmental factors. But, it's important to know what is potentially harmful or dangerous, and try your best to avoid these things during pregnancy. This does not mean being paranoid about exposure to a certain substance or allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by the precautions. It just means that being well-informed helps. This article talks about the environmental things to avoid while pregnant and suggests ways to deal with situations that are not within your control.
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Identification
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Environmental factors account for less than 1% of birth defects and pregnancy complications. These include minimal exposure to dangerous substances, chemicals such as lead, smoke and the effect of drugs. This encouraging fact means that pregnant women do not have to worry about everything they inhale, eat or are exposed to. Pregnant women are often showered with well-meaning--but not always accurate--advice from all corners. But too many warnings may be overwhelming rather than helpful. Yes, certain environmental factors are potentially harmful to a fetus, especially when the exposure is for a longer duration or of more intense nature.
Types
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Environmental factors include what you inhale, are exposed to, consume or handle during the course of your pregnancy. It's possible to avoid some of these completely and considerably reduce your exposure to others.
When pregnant, avoid exposure to:
* Cigarette Smoke. If you smoke, stop. Ask others not to smoke around you. Inhaling passive smoke is almost as harmful as smoking yourself.
* Lead: Stay away from lead paint, especially if repair work is being done or the paint is chipping off. You should be concerned if your house was built before 1978. Most companies stopped putting lead in paint in 1955, and the federal government banned lead in paint in 1978.
Make sure the tap water you drink is lead free. Check with your local environmental group or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you suspect that the water may not be safe, get it tested for lead and contaminants by the EPA or get more information from the Health Department. Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. If your plumbing is very old or contains lead, consider changing it. Always run the tap for a few minutes before filling your glass, especially if the tap has not been used for a few hours.
* Manufacturing agents and chemicals: Those working in manufacturing or on a factory floor should avoid certain things when pregnant, as specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These include chemicals like alkylating agents, arsenic, benzene, carbon monoxide, chlorinated hydrocarbons, dimethyl sulfoxide, organic mercury compounds, lead, lithium, aluminum, ethylene oxide, dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls.
* Cleaning agents and strong fumes: There is no proven link between household cleaners and pregnancy complications, but it is better to use these with extra caution when pregnant since they contain very strong chemicals and emit unpleasant odors. Use rubber gloves. Do not use toxic cleaners such as oven cleaners. Avoid inhaling the fumes directly by covering your nose while spraying. Make sure the rooms you clean are well ventilated.
* Continuous In-flight Radiation, especially at high altitudes, closer to the earth's poles: This is applicable to women working as pilots or flight crew members. It has been observed that those who often fly for long hours at very high altitudes, close to the poles are at a risk of exposure to solar radiation. Though the risk may be small, pregnant women are advised to avoid it.
* Mercury-rich Fish: Though fish is considered one of the healthiest types of foods, pregnant women should avoid seafood with high mercury content. Shark, swordfish, King mackerel, tile fish are especially to be avoided. Similarly, raw fish could contain bacteria and parasites and should be avoided.
*Microwave radiation: Although the benefits of the microwave far outweigh any risks it might pose, studies show that the fetus is especially vulnerable to being affected adversely. So, while you don't have to stop using the microwave, you should take some precautions while using it. Make sure the microwave has no leaks. Do not stand in front of the microwave or very close to it while it runs.
* Air Pollution: Avoid or reduce the inhalation of polluted air and exhaust fumes. Keep your rooms well-ventilated, especially the ones with fireplaces, burners or stoves.
* Paint fumes: Although lead based paints are no longer used, paint fumes are best avoided. Some paints have been shown to have unsafe amounts of mercury and other substances.
* Noise: Continuous exposure to loud noise has been known to cause miscarriages in animals. There is no study to prove a similar correlation in humans, but it is known that continuous exposure to loud noise causes hearing loss. So, to be on the safer side, pregnant women might want to avoid working in an environment that is too noisy all the time. -
Significance
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Centuries ago, when science and medicine had not advanced to the level they have today, women were getting pregnant and giving birth. The risks women face today pale in comparison to what women faced then. Be it the quality of prenatal and post-partum care or hygienic birthing conditions or pregnancy health awareness, we have come a long way. However, today's risks seem daunting precisely because of how well-informed and aware we are. The fact is, although it seems like today's world is filled with environmental threats to pregnant women, due to the advances in medical science, the chances of having a healthy pregnancy, a complication-free childbirth and a healthy baby have never been better. The importance of understanding the environmental threats to pregnancy is that by knowing what to avoid, we further increase the already excellent chance of a healthy pregnancy and having a healthy baby.
Considerations
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It is important for pregnant women to take good care of themselves in every respect. From eating a balanced diet to getting regular exercise, there are many things a pregnant woman can do to keep herself healthy and to ensure the health of her baby. Staying away from or trying to reduce exposure to harmful environmental elements is also one of them. However, no matter how safe or careful you are, there are bound to be aspects of the environment that are not in your control. Occasional exposure to microwave radiation or cigarette smoke may not have serious consequences. If possible, try to avoid further exposure. If not, consider ways to reduce the exposure temporarily.
Warning
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If you have serious concerns about exposure to environmental hazards, consult your physician or health practitioner.
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