There are many toxins and chemicals that can impact a woman’s fertility and fetal growth. Our bodies react to everything we come in contact with. It’s not always easy to avoid these toxins, but we have to be very careful especially when trying to conceive and get pregnant. Below are some of the top toxins and chemicals to avoid when trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy
Parabens
Parabens are usually found in makeups, creams and soaps. They are a type of preservative commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria in products. However, they can mimic estrogen which can reduce your chances of creating healthy eggs. Avoid anything that has “paraben” as part of the ingredients. Examples include
- Methylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Sodium butylparaben
- Proplyparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
Try to eliminate parabens in the six months leading to conception, during conception, and throughout the course of your pregnancy.
House Paint
Exposing yourself to house paint, fabric dyes, paint thinners, and other painting supplies can increase your risk of miscarriage and birth defects. They contain high levels of lead and mercury, which and increase the likelihood of physical and mental birth defects.
Avoid painting the house yourself and let someone else do it for you.
Bisphenol A aka BPA and other Bisphenols
BPA can be found in some foods, consumer products and can get into your body through inhaling, ingesting or through dermal contact. BPA has been linked to recurrent miscarriage and can also lower your fertility levels. Instead, opt for BPA-free products and always wash your fruits and vegetables to get rid of any lingering pesticides.
Reduce your use of canned foods and do not microwave foods in plastic containers. Opt for glass, stainless steel or BPA-free products for hot foods or liquids.
Phthalates
Phthalates are type of chemicals used in detergents, scented fragrances, shampoos aftershave lotions, hair sprays and other types of scented prepararyions.
They can affect and disrupt hormone levels, which can then affect fertility. To play it safe, stay off scented fragrances for now. Alternatively, use fragrance free or natural essential oils.
Retinoids
They are mostly found in anti-aging creams that most women use to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. The thing to note is that retinoids can cause harm to developing embryos so should be totally avoided when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
Acetone
Acetone is commonly found in nail polish remover and nail polishes too. Acetone has been shown to cause long-term effects on fertility, so it should be avoided when trying to conceive. Instead opt for nail polishes and nail polish removers that don’t use acetone in their ingredients as there are many of them.
Hair Dyes
Hair dyes contain a lot of toxic chemicals that can be absorbed into the body through the scalp. If you absolutely need to dye your hair, opt for vegetable-based hair dyes while trying to conceive and get pregnant.
Harsh Cleaners
A lot of our everyday cleaning products contain a lot of toxins and chemicals. They can affect a woman’s fertility and also cause negative effects on the growth of a baby. Instead, opt for green, eco-friendly natural alternatives.
Over-the-counter supplements
Not all over-the-counter supplements are safe to take while trying to conceive or pregnant. Most of them do not specifically say if they are safe to take while trying for a baby or pregnant, so this is to make sure you’re not taking anything that could reduce your fertility or harm your baby. Speak to your doctor first before taking any medicine.
Pesticides
Pesticides are not safe and toxic to everyone. However, women trying to conceive or pregnant should avoid them at all costs. This is because the chemicals in pesticides attack the nervous system and can cause problems with neural tube development in babies. Always, opt for organic fruits and vegetables and wash them thoroughly before eating.
As mentioned previously, avoiding every possible exposure of toxins and chemicals is not possible. However we have to be very careful and try to control the ones we can avoid, so as to not affect fertility, and most importantly our health.
