HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS Avoid using household chemicals while you’re pregnant. Chemicals can be

absorbed through your skin and through the air. Wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area if you have to use a strong household cleaner. Other chemicals to avoid during pregnancy include insecticides, pesticides, and weed killers. Use air fresheners and aerosol sprays sparingly, as they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and artificial fragrances that may not be good for you or your baby. Most evidence suggests that hair dyes and permanent wave solutions are safe. But pregnancy hormones may change how these ingredients react with your hair. researchers believe marijuana has more long-term effects on young brains than adult brains. Studies suggest that babies’ growth and brain development may be harmed when exposed to THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) on a regular basis. THC is stored in body fat and more than half of an unborn baby’s brain is composed of fat. Because marijuana isn’t grown or processed under any safety rules, it can also expose you and your baby to unwanted mold, fungi, bacteria, processing chemicals, or even heavy metals found in soil (lead, arsenic, mercury). Although some people use marijuana to control nausea (morning sickness), MARIJUANA (CANNABIS) Although marijuana (cannabis) is legal in many states, its impact on babies is not fully known. Many

SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAGS Wearing your seatbelt in a car or plane can protect both you and your baby. When you are buckled up, you are much less likely to be injured or killed in an accident. The correct way to wear a lap belt during pregnancy is under the bulge in your abdomen, across your hips and thighs. Most injuries to an unborn baby relate directly to how seriously the mother is injured, not to the use of a seatbelt. Don’t turn off the airbags in your car because you are pregnant. Instead, slide your seat back as far as you can from the dashboard. If you are involved in a car accident, even a minor one, see your health care provider right away.

SKIN CREAM You may know that exposure to heavy metals such as mercury, lead, or cadmium during pregnancy can increase your chances of having a miscarriage, a stillbirth,

it may not be safe for your baby and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

MEDICATIONS During your first prenatal visit, tell your health care provider about any medications you take, including

or a child with a birth defect. But did you know that certain face creams may expose you to mercury? The FDA has issued a warning to avoid any skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, and lotions that contain mercury.

prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal products. If a health care provider (other than your prenatal health team) gives you a new prescription, be sure they know you’re pregnant. Many medications are safe to use during pregnancy, but some may be harmful. Don’t stop taking a medication on your own. Ask your provider about the safest way to stop taking a medication.

What you need to know: • Mercury is most often found in creams

marketed as skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles • Don’t use any product that has the words “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric,” “mercurio,” or “mercury” listed on the label

26 Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy