- Household Cleaners(Undetermined)-Household cleaners have not be proven as either safe or unsafe, however, there may be a link between household cleaners exposure during pregnancy and asthma in children. If you must use household cleaners you may want to take the following precautions: wear gloves, use cleaners in a well-ventilated area, use pump spray cleaners instead of aerosol cleaners which create more vapors, open as many doors and windows as possible, and avoid mixing chemicals like bleach and ammonia. You may also want to consider using natural products like baking soda and vinegar and water instead. Any household products that are labeled toxic should be avoided.
- Paint(Generally Unsafe)-Even today's water-based paints may be harmful to your baby, do most experts recommend pregnant women avoid painting altogether. It is best to have someone else do the painting for you. If painting is going on within the house, make sure it is well-ventilated.
- Pesticides and Insecticides(Generally Unsafe)-Prolonged exposure to both pesticides and insecticides have been linked to birth defects, especially during the first trimester. If you can not avoid exposure to pesticides in your home make sure someone else applies the pesticide and leave the area for the duration indicated on the package. Make sure the area being treated is well-ventilated. Throughly wash food areas and utensils before use. If the area being treated is outdoors, shut all your windows and turn your air conditioner off to avoid the fumes being drawn into your home. When gardening, use gloves to avoid touching plants that have been treated with pesticides.
- Bug Sprays containing DEET(Undetermined, Use Caution)-Bug sprays containing DEET have not been evaluated for safety during pregnancy, therefore you should use caution. Instead of spraying directly on your skin, spray your clothes instead. Try not to get the spray on your hands.
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