Pregnancy is a delicate time during a mother and developing child’s life. Everything a mother touches, eats, or comes into contact with can have an impact on the life growing inside her. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know what’s safe and what can cause you and your baby harm. The following list of green living ideas and eco-friendly tips will help you protect y our baby and ensure the best possible health and development.
Lead
You probably already know that lead is harmful to you and your baby. However, you may not be familiar with the many places lead is still found. Lead is contained in:
Candle wicks – buy only beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks that are wire free.
Paint – if you live in an older home, built and painted before 1978, chances are high that your paint has lead in it. You can purchase a lead test kit at your local home store. Don’t remove lead paint yourself. Hire a professional.
Plumbing – lead plumbing disperses lead into your drinking water. You don’t have to replace your entire plumbing infrastructure. You can use a water filter that removes lead from drinking water.
Lead is also found in:
• Crystal and some ceramic dishes
• Old painted toys
• Vinyl mini blinds
• Some makeup
• Canned goods and candy from other countries
Mercury
As dangerous as this chemical is, it’s still used in many products. One of the most common products is the eco-friendly CFL light bulb. You won’t be contaminated by simply handling the bulbs unless they’re broken.
Mercury can also be found in large fish like tuna. You don’t have to stop eating fish. Simply consider modifying the type of fish you eat. For example, sardines are an example of a healthy and safe fish.
Pesticides and Insecticides
Steer clear of all pesticides and insecticides. Don’t spray them around your home and when possible eat organic produce. It’s not always feasible to eat organic. If it’s not available to you, make sure to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables to remove as much residue as possible.
Solvents and Plastics
Solvents are chemicals found in paint thinners, degreasers, stains, and alcohols. Breathing in solvents when you’re pregnant can cause miscarriage, developmental delay, premature birth and birth defects.
Plastics are often made from phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals are found in some toys, water bottles, canned foods, and even baby bottles. Look for products labeled “BPA Free.”
Finally, many beauty products contain lead, accutane, pthaletes, retinol and other products that have been shown to have effects on unborn fetuses. Aim to use natural products made from green and environmentally friendly ingredients. Chemical free beauty is the way to go for the duration of your pregnancy.