As much as some products serve good purposes, there are some
that you have to avoid during pregnancy. Such products to be avoided are
pesticides, perfumes and host of others, in order to help baby grow as
healthfully as possible. Check out our list of products to avoid during
pregnancy.
Expensive bath products
High-end bath products may
contain chemicals that aggravate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Your
skin will be troubled enough during pregnancy, so stick to the economical
brands. You can go for handmade soaps that don’t contain chemicals.
Safe alternative: Bath products designed for babies and
young children are usually gentler on the skin, and do not contain harmful
chemicals.
Skin whitening
Skin whitening should be
avoided at all costs during pregnancy, as it increases the risk of sun
exposure, something expectant moms cannot afford. Hydroquinone can also cause
cancer and hinder fetal development.
Safe alternative: There's really no alternative to skin
whitening during pregnancy, and it should be put off at least until you are no
longer breastfeeding.
Chemical hair removal
Hair removal products contain
thioglycolic acid. Its effects on pregnant women and their babies are unknown,
so healthcare providers recommend that you avoid chemical hair removal products
while you are pregnant.
Safe alternative: What's wrong with the natural way?
Plucking, shaving, and even waxing are all safe ways to remove unwanted hair
during pregnancy.
Heavy fragrances
Your nose will be more
sensitive while you are pregnant, so avoiding overly powerful scents might be a
good idea. Heavy fragrances may also contain toxic phthalates, which can
disturb fetal development. It can also make you to react to it through vomiting
or you might have skin allergy.
Safe alternative: Healthcare provider suggest using less
intense, natural perfumes and fragrances rather than the irritating, heavily
chemical ones. You will still smell great, and it won't upset your nose!
Prescription acne medications
Acne is a common symptom of
pregnancy, and a lot of women have to deal with pimples that will appear all
over their body. But that doesn’t mean you should treat it with harsh
chemicals. Accutane, and products containing tetracycline, are known to cause
miscarriage, birth defects, or stunted development. In order for you to get rid
of it or reduce the acne or pimples, you can use the peel of banana, or mask
mint leaves or even use lemon on the affected place.
Safe alternative: Gently washing your face with an oil-free
wash on a daily basis can help treat and prevent acne, even when caused by
pregnancy. Refraining from picking, scratching, or excessively touching your
face could also help prevent acne.
Tattoos
Even if you're an ink addict,
it's best to avoid getting new tattoos while pregnant, as healthcare providers
aren’t totally sure what effects ink might have on baby.
Safe alternative: Although getting permanent tattoos is
discouraged during pregnancy, getting henna tattoos, which usually last a few
weeks, is perfectly safe. They are completely safe to get while pregnant, so
long as the ink is not black.
Hair care
Pregnant women should avoid
getting too involved in their hair care, due to the possible risk posed by
chemicals in salon products. If abstaining from hair care is not an option,
make sure you're using non-toxic substances.
Safe alternative: It's super important to get your hair
done in a well-ventilated space and wash the chemicals off of your hair as quickly
as possible to reduce the risk of sinking into your bloodstream.
Bug spray
Some bug sprays contain the
chemical (DEET), and its effects can lead to many pregnancy complications. Bug
spray can be used while pregnant, but follow the directions to a tee, and stop
applying the spray if it irritates any part of your body.
Safe alternative: Non-chemical insect repellents like
special lights and candles can help ward off annoying bugs without the harmful
chemicals found in bug spray. Insect repellant that doesn't involve aerosols is
probably your best bet.
Lead products
Lead products can be
extremely poisonous, and should be avoided while you’re pregnant. Stunted fetal
development and premature birth are just two of many possible effects of lead
poisoning during pregnancy.
Safe alternative: It's definitely a good idea to avoid
everything made from lead while pregnant. Look for safer, less poisonous metal
products.
Hair dyes
Although hair dyes can
frequently contain some unsavory chemicals, the amount of pollutant actually
absorbed into the body is extremely low, so hair dying during pregnancy is
usually perfectly safe.
Safe alternative: Moms-to-be might want to opt for
vegetable dyes, wear gloves, and maintain proper ventilation when coloring
their hair, to keep your hair vibrant, safely.
Electric blankets
In most cases, electric
blankets are safe to use during pregnancy, but in rare cases, if they're set
high enough to raise body temperature, they have been linked to serious health
concerns for developing fetuses.
Safe alternative: When using an electric blanket while
pregnant, it might be a good idea to heat the blanket up before getting in bed,
and unplugging it once in bed so it will cool down throughout the night and
prevent you from overheating.
Pesticides
Pesticides contain various
chemicals that damage the nervous system, so it is very important to avoid
exposure to these substances when you are pregnant, as the chemicals could
irreparably damage your baby's developing neural tube.
Safe alternative: A combination of hot water, hydrogen
peroxide, and vinegar is an effective, pregnancy-safe way to keep your garden
bug-free.
Industrial cleaning products
Many industrial cleaning
products contain certain chemicals whose effects on pregnant women are not
well known enough to approve their use.
Safe alternative: There are lots of safe alternatives, like
natural cleaning products, that are less likely to cause harmful side effects.
Overly tight clothing
Pregnant women should not
wear clothing that is too tight, as these items could restrict blood flow,
increase swelling, and possibly reduce nutrient distribution to your baby. It
is better you get a free gown that is well sewn by your tailor, or even get a
readymade maternity gown that you will be free inside.
Safe alternative: Wearing loose clothing should help keep
you comfortable, and Baby safe.
Herbal supplements
Unless explicitly directed by
your healthcare provider, you should avoid herbal supplements during pregnancy.
Safe alternative: Your prenatal vitamin has all of the
vitamins you and Baby need.
By: Pupwaya Timothy Dibal
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