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Pregnancy

Safety during Pregnancy

When you find out you are pregnant you may be worried that some of the things that you do or are exposed to at work and at home might harm your unborn baby.

Some of the most common questions that many pregnant women ask are below with the answers so you can rest easy.

Coloring your hair – There is no research that proves that coloring your hair can affect your baby in any way. This is mainly because there has not been any extensive research done on the chemicals and if they can enter the body through the scalp. The best products for safety concerns would be to only streak or highlight, wear protective gloves, and use products that are vegetable based.

Painting the baby's room during pregnancy – It is best if you do not paint at all. All paints on the market today have chemicals that have not been researched to ensure they are safe during pregnancy. If you decide to paint anyway, be sure to ventilate the room well, wear gloves, protective clothing and do not eat or drink in the room while you are painting.

Insecticides – Studies have shown that even small levels of exposure increase the risks to your unborn baby. Do not use the insecticides yourself. When someone else is using the insecticides be sure ask the person applying to only use it where needed, put away all dishes and other utensils, and stay out of the house for several houses after the insecticide has been used.

Second hand smoke – Research has shown that second hand smoke can increase the risk of growth retardation, subtle deficits in learning, low birth weight, and the possibility of some childhood cancers.

Hot tubs and Saunas – It has been advised that temperatures of 102 or higher can increase the risk of neural tube defects during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. It is best to stay away from hot tubs and saunas during the entire pregnancy.

Dentist – Normally it is fine to visit the dentist, however, if you need any x-rays be sure to let the dentist know that you are pregnant so he can shield your belly from the radiation.

Computer use – It was thought at one time that birth defects and miscarriages were due to women that used computers at work, however a study in 1991 proved that their was not a higher risk of miscarriages with women that work on computers.