How to have a non-toxic pregnancy

4 December, 2009. Tags: Pregnancy, Why Natural

The Washington Toxics Coalition, a not-for-profit that researches and campaigns for a toxin-free environment, has released a report detailing the wide range of toxins babies are exposed to in the womb.

The report, titled 'Earliest Exposures' found 13 toxic chemicals in pregnant women, including phthalates, bisphenol A, mercury and 'teflon chemicals'. Each of these chemicals is known for either gender-bending, brain-damaging or carcinogenic properties! To read the full report download the PDFs at the end of this article.

It's important to recognise that, although these findings come from the USA, the laws around cosmetics are very similar here in Australia, which means we are exposed to equivalent levels of risk.

So what can we do about this? Well, we can start at home, with the Washington Toxics Coalition's recommendations for a healthy pregnancy. You can download a handy PDF containing these tips, and a PDF with tips on a healthy nursery, at the end of the article.

Eating for a non-toxic pregnancy

Fish is one of the healthiest foods around but choose carefully for minimal toxic load.

Fish to avoid

King mackerel
Marlin
Shark
Swordfish
Tilefish
Tuna steak
Striped wild bass
Alewife
Bluefish
Shad
Wild sturgeon
Weakfish.

Fish to choose

Wild salmon
Sardines
Anchovies
Atlantic herring
Dungeness crab
Pacific cod
Black cod
Farmed striped bass
Tilapia
Farmed catfish
Clams
Mussels
Pacific oysters.

Learn more about pollution in seafood here

Organic food for pregnancy

Eat organic food as much as possible. It is especially important to choose the organic variety of those foods known to be most contaminated with pesticides. These include:

Peaches
Apples
Capsicums
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes.

Learn more about pesticides in food at the Environmental Working Group's food website.

Other non-toxic eating tips for pregnancy

Avoid canned foods as much as possible. Linings in cans may leach bisphenol-A, a chemical that mimics estrogen.
Choose low-fat meat and dairy products, because many chemicals build up in fat.
Avoid clear plastic water bottles that are labeled #7 on the bottom. These bottles are typically made of polycarbonate, which may leach bisphenol-A. Choose water bottles made of uncoated stainless steel or cloudy plastic instead. Read more tips on safer plastics here.
When reheating food, opt for containers labelled as microwave-safe such as those made of glass or ceramic materials. Try using parchment paper, wax paper, or white paper towels to cover containers rather than plastic wrap.
Avoid non-stick or Teflon-coated cookware, which may release toxic compounds. Choose stainless steel, glass, cast iron, or ceramic cookware instead.
Avoid microwave popcorn. The inside of the bag is often coated with toxic chemicals that may leach into the popcorn.
Avoid fast foods, as fast-food containers may be lined with Teflon chemicals.

Non-toxic personal care tips for pregnancy

Choose fragrance-free personal care products, and consider giving up perfumes, nail polish, and hair dye, which may contain harmful chemicals. Or, choose healthier alternatives like One Seed perfumes and Priti low-toxin nail polishes.
Choose cosmetics and personal products from companies committed to safer products, like Ikigai! View our non-toxic products for mama and baby. You can also explore safer products and ingredients on the Cosmetic Safety Database.
Avoid hand soaps marketed as 'antibacterial': scrubbing hands with hot water and plain soap is just effective, and the overuse of antibacterial products can lead to germs that are harder to kill.
Avoid clothing, shoes, and boots made with vinyl/PVC. If you can, also avoid those treated with Gore-Tex or other Teflon chemicals. Choose rubber and vinyl-free fabrics such as cotton, linen, or even nylon and polyester.

Non-toxic pest control for a healthy pregnancy

Avoid bug killers, weed killers, and other pesticides in the home or garden. Focus on preventive techniques, and learn about easy non-toxic options here.

Non-toxic home supplies for a healthy pregnancy

Replace plastic shower curtains with fabric curtains (like nylon or polyester), and avoid vinyl mattress covers and inflatable furniture.
Choose VOC-free paints and materials. If you have an older home with lead paint, hire a certified lead abatement worker to protect yourself from lead paint dust or chips.
Inspect foam furniture and get rid of items where foam is exposed and crumbling.

Non-toxic cleaning tips for a healthy pregnancy

Try green cleaning recipes using liquid soap, baking soda, and vinegar, or safer brands such as Ecover. Click here for some great recipes from Greenpeace.
Leave shoes at the door and try to vacuum once a week. Toxic chemicals from both indoors and outdoors can build up in household dust.

Unfortunately, while cosmetic and household product companies remain poorly-regulated by our governments, the best we can do for our families' health, is take steps to protect ourselves from toxic overload. Good luck and please contact us with any tips you have for green cleaning recipes!