Environmental Things to Avoid While Pregnant

Every pregnant woman wants to have a healthy, easy pregnancy. But there are environmental factors you'll want to be aware of that can be harmful during pregnancy. There are certain foods pregnant women should avoid, as well as certain items like cleaning products that should be limited or avoided. To educate yourself on what to avoid, you may want to ask your doctor for a list of items to keep with you for reference.

  1. Alcohol

    • Many people debate how much alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Some say one beer or one glass of wine per day is acceptable; others believe that no amount of alcohol is completely safe during pregnancy. There is no predetermined amount of alcohol that has been deemed safe for consumption by pregnant women, says KidsHealth.org. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition in which alcohol consumption by the mother may cause issues such as low birth weight and decreased nervous system development. Avoiding alcohol throughout pregnancy is the safest way to guard against any potential harm.

    Mercury

    • Seafood is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. One concern while you're pregnant, though, is the amount of mercury contained in many types of fish, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Excess mercury can cause brain damage, nervous system impairment and learning disabilities. Pregnant women are advised to avoid all raw and seared (not fully cooked throughout) fish while pregnant or nursing. Some fish to limit or avoid altogether include shark, king fish mackerel and swordfish. It is also recommended that pregnant women limit or avoid tuna and shellfish; ask your doctor how much of these fish is safe for you.

    Lead

    • Lead poisoning can lead to miscarriages. High amounts of lead can sometimes be found in tap water or in lead or copper pipes in your home, according to WebMD.com. You can order the latest water testing reports for your area by contacting your water company. You may want to install a filter directly to your faucet or use filtered water pitchers or bottled water to reduce potential exposure to lead. Another source of lead poisoning is paint made before 1978. If you live in an older home, you may want to consider having it repainted.

    Household Cleaning Products

    • Be careful when using household cleaning products because some contain chemicals that can be dangerous to you or your unborn baby, suggests the March of Dimes. Products such as oven and carpet cleaners often have warning labels concerning use when pregnant. Products containing ammonia and chlorine are typically considered safe, but be sure to read the labels on all products. Some may not be harmful, but they may risk making you nauseous. Try wearing a mask while cleaning or passing off cleaning duties to someone else.

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