Pregnancy: what you need to know about chemicals

Many everyday products contain substances that pose a risk to fetal health. A developing fetus is more vulnerable to toxic substances because it is growing so quickly.

For this reason, pregnant women should limit their exposure to certain chemicals as much as possible, even if it may be impossible to avoid them completely.

Cleaning products

Most everyday cleaning products, such as dish soap, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaners, are safe to use during pregnancy.

However, it’s important to follow the directions on the product label carefully to avoid exceeding the exposure limits. You should also do your best to limit your exposure to these products. For example, wear gloves when using them to reduce absorption through the skin and open a window for better ventilation.

You can also avoid using cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients by using water, vinegar, baking soda, or soap instead.

Keep in mind that some bleach-based products are corrosive and may irritate or even burn your airways. You should also avoid products containing ammonia.

Air fresheners

Home deodorizers and air fresheners made with solvents contain toxic substances. These can remain in the air for several hours after use, so it’s best to avoid them unless absolutely necessary. If you wish to use them, look for unscented products. You should also avoid home fragrance products, such as incense, scented candles, aerosol liquids, and plug-in diffusers.

Renovation work

Paints designed for indoor use are generally latex (i.e., water-based) paints. This type of paint is safe for pregnant women, as long as exposure is infrequent.

That said, latex paint can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The risk associated with these compounds is still relatively uncertain, so choosing paints with few to no VOCs is the safest bet. In any case, if you have a paint job in mind, it’s best to enlist a family member or a contractor. Ideally, schedule the work to be done while you’re away, and make sure the space is well ventilated.

Oil-based paints are to be avoided, as they’re more toxic and contain ingredients that can be harmful to your fetus. However, provided there’s good ventilation, spending a few hours in a freshly painted room poses little risk to your baby. If possible, wait until the paint is completely dry before going inside.

Until 1991, paints were often made with lead. If your home is from this era and you suspect the paint may be lead-based, apply a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper as protection. Lead paint is only dangerous in the event of direct contact.

Finally, avoid paint-removal projects during your pregnancy. Whether you use a paint stripper or a sand blaster, you could end up exposing yourself to old lead paint or to toxic substances found in paint removers. Turpentine-based solvents must be handled especially carefully.

Gardening

During pregnancy, avoid handling chemical products like pesticides or herbicides.

In addition, since animal feces could be buried in your garden, it’s recommended to wear gloves when gardening or when you have to touch soil or sand.

Pet care

If your pet needs to take medication such as a flea or tick treatment, have a family member administer it.

If you have a cat, it may carry a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted to you through its feces. This parasite is associated with toxoplasmosis, an infection that can, in rare cases, be dangerous for your fetus. For this reason, you should avoid cleaning your cat’s litter box yourself. If no one can do it for you, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Things to keep in mind

• Most cleaning products are safe to use during pregnancy.
• Latex paint is safe for pregnant women, but oil-based paint should be avoided.
• If your home was built before 1970, it’s best to use a filter to limit the potential presence of lead in your drinking water.

Scientific review: Dave Saint-Amour, member of the Centre de recherche en neurosciences cognitives and Research Chair in Environmental Neuropsychotoxicology at UQAM Research and copywriting: The Naître et grandir team Updated: March 2022

Photo: GettyImages/97