Do's and Don'ts

Hot Tubs, X-rays, Chemicals and Other No-No’s

X-rays
X-rays (radiation) and heavy metal exposures are teratogenic, meaning they cause harm (birth defects) to fetuses. Both physical and mental defects can be caused by metals such as lead or mercury and ionizing radiation which is what X-rays use to get a picture of internal organs, and also, in higher doses, to treat cancer. Television sets and computer terminals are sources of non-ionizing radiation. Generally, these exposures are felt to be free of hazard for pregnant women. It is possible to buy screens that absorb even this radiation, although some televisions and terminals leak non-ionizing radiation from the back as well. Ionizing radiation is far more dangerous to pregnancy and should be avoided unless the benefits outweigh the risks (which you and your doctor can discuss together).

Lead exposure
This can be a problem. If you are remodeling an older home, scraping or sanding paint, you may expose yourself to lead dust. This is easily absorbed through inhalation. Lead test strips can be purchased at the local hardware store and used in the home to detect lead in a given layer of paint. The trick is - if you have multiple layers of paint - you need to test each layer. Certainly, you should avoid all potential exposure to lead dust during renovations.

Chemicals
Using a professional lawn care service or getting clothes dry cleaned increases your exposure to other chemicals that may have teratogenic and carcinogenic effects. Being outdoors when insecticides and pesticides are sprayed is another way you may be exposed to chemicals that can imperil the health of you and your baby. Try to think twice about the chemicals you use to clean, garden, take care of the car, or inhale due to your environment.

There is reason for concern about exposure to these chemicals, although studies may be inconclusive and some progress has been made toward use of more environmentally friendly chemicals. If you smoke cigarettes, work around heavy metals, and use insecticides and pesticides you may experience a combined effect from these chemicals. This means one small exposure may not be reason for concern but a large exposure or multiple exposures to various chemicals may have an additive effect – and potentially be harmful to you and your baby.

Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is another way that you may be putting yourself and your baby in harm’s way, despite all your best efforts and wishes for change. 25 - 40% of all abused women are abused during pregnancy, so do not believe your pregnancy will protect you or your baby from abuse. Women who are abused during pregnancy have more problems with miscarriage, pre-term birth, low birth weight, hemorrhaging, and infant death.

• Are you in a relationship where you "walk on eggshells"?
• Do you live in fear that your partner will become angry?
• Do you feel you have to "ask permission" to socialize with people other than your partner?
• Are you left out of decisions about money or living arrangements?
• Are you being hit, pushed, kicked, or verbally assaulted?

If you are answering yes to any of these questions, you may need to reassess your priorities and make safety for yourself and your baby your #1 concern. There are shelters available, which may be listed in the phonebook or reachable by calling social services at a hospital or mental health center. Think about supports you can use, friends or family you might stay with, if you decide to leave your partner. You may be wondering how you will manage if you are alone with a baby. You may feel overwhelmed by the unfortunate choices you are being forced to make.

Remember that if you stay in your current situation your abuser maintains control over you and the behavior may escalate. Involving police and getting a restraining order may be another step you can take to separate from an abuser. Do not let fears and loneliness stand in the way of making a healthy choice. You won’t know what kind of help and what kind of life may be waiting for you out there until you start to look and create changes for yourself.

Think of your baby NOW…. Being born into an environment of fear and hostility is not a good way to begin life.