Pregnancy hazards at home

CEBU, Philippines - A beauty queen once said, "The real essence of a woman is to bear a child."

To most women, being a mother is not only a fulfillment or a sense of duty, but indeed a noble mission.

It all starts at pregnancy - one of the most anticipated periods for a woman in her lifetime.

But pregnancy also means sacrifice. Aside from carrying the weight of a growing baby that she has to bear for some time, the pregnant woman also experiences a lot of changes in her body. These changes make the woman vulnerable to certain risks, making pregnancy a most delicate period.

Environment factors add to the risks of pregnancy - pollution, adverse weather, radiation, and viruses - affecting both the mother and the baby. Even the home is suffused with a lot of health risks for pregnant women. The website www.thebump.com lists some of the risk factors at home pregnant mothers should be wary of and how to avoid them.

Paints

Nowadays, most paints are made with low amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. Small doses of VOCs may develop into carcinogens, which in effect, irritate the respiratory system, affect the eyes, and sometimes cause nausea and headaches. To babies, chemical toxins such as VOCs are ten times more toxic compared to adults.

What can be done: Repainting rooms with non-toxic paints is a safer option. As for other areas of the house, keep these well ventilated to keep the pregnant woman safe from accumulated toxic gases.

Cosmetics

Fragrance-laden cosmetic products contain phthalates, a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl. Even those with "organic" label are not guaranteed safe, as most cosmetic products are chemical based. Also, some nail polishes are packed with chemicals that can affect the developing fetus.

What can be done: For the meantime, it is safer to avoid skin products with artificial fragrance. Choose for products known to be purely organic, those made from natural oils and ingredients. Check for chemical-free cosmetic and nail polish products with health agencies' approval.

Cleaning materials

A study shows that pregnant women exposed to cleaning products such as bleach, air fresheners, and the like increase the baby's chances of developing asthma by 41 percent.

What can be done: Avoid cleaning products with irritating smells, as these products likely have strong chemical contents. Also, check the label for the ingredients used in the product. Or else, find a safer substitute of a certain cleaning product.

Dust and other particles

The air inside the home is reportedly three times more polluted than in the outside environment. That's due to the dusts, fur, and other particles trapped in carpets, cabinets, under the bed, etc. Air fresheners also add to the pollutants, as those produce fumes unsafe for health.

What can be done: Maintain airflow throughout the entire house, especially during fair weather. Clean the drapes and carpets regularly. Also, groom pets regularly to minimize fallen furs.

Molds

Molds can cause runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. These also increase the occurrence of skin rashes and, worst, asthma attacks.

What can be done: Keep the bathroom and basements dry and moisture-free, as molds accumulate on moist places. Also check for leaks on the sink, ceiling, or in air ducts and repair it immediately.

Plastics

Plastics have chemical ingredients which have been found to be carcinogenic, or causing cancer, hormonal imbalances, neurological problems, and reproductive organ illnesses. Most plastic-based products weaken the immune system, which increases the risk of other illnesses.

What can be done: Choose plastic products free from Bisphenol A (BPA,) a chemical compound which is found to be harmful for the health. Also check the internet for reference guide in buying safe plastic-based products.

Drinking Water

Aside from bacteria infestation, industrial wastes and radioactive substances can seep down to natural water sources such as deep wells and ground water.

What can be done: Invest in a water purifier - whether it's a free-standing machine, a faucet attachment, or a pitcher with a filter. Also, running the tap for a minute helps in flushing contaminants. Clean the faucet regularly to remove plaques, which possibly formed out of toxins.

Refrigerator

Improperly stored food poses risks, like food poisoning. Pesticides used in preserving food can also cause cancer and birth defects.

What can be done: Clean and organize those to be stored in the fridge. Take extra care not to let raw meats mix with anything else. Rinse fruits, vegetables, and meats before storing in order to remove chemicals used to preserve them. (FREEMAN)