Pregnancy

In the words of a Native American midwife, Katsi Cook, a women’s body is the first environment. The umbilical cord is the lifeline between the mother and baby. However, recent studies have shown that the umbilical cord and the placenta do not have the ability to filter the baby from harmful chemicals that the mother inhales, ingests or absorbs through the skin. Whatever a pregnant woman is exposed to, the baby may also be exposed to as well.

The Environmental Working Group commissioned a study called “Body Burden: Pollution in Newborns” and determined that “The umbilical cord blood of these 10 children…harbored pesticides, consumer product ingredients, and wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage…Of the 287 chemicals we detected … we know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.” The baby is particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins that can disrupt its developmental process at critical times during the pregnancy. Avoiding certain chemicals, eating healthy and exercising are vital during pregnancy.

What You can Do to promote a “green” pregnancy

Avoid toxic exposures during pregnancy), including alcohol and cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke
Choose safer personal care products (PDF) and avoid fragranced perfumes and colognes, as well as nail products that contain potentially harmful ingredients such as phthalates and toluene
Choose safer cleaning products for your home (PDF)
Eat locally-grown and organic food products, seek foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that contain antioxidants
When baby-proofing each room, learn how to promote a “green” home in the process (PDF)
http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php

Pregnancy

What You can Do to promote a “green” pregnancy

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