Limiting exposure to toxins like lead and mercury might be as simple as reducing the amount of fish in your diet or covering up exposed lead paint in your home. Phthalates, which are used in cosmetics and in plastics can be avoided by using products that do not contain them (i.e., choosing glass over plastic, or using natural beauty care products). It's best to buy organic food whenever possible to limit exposure to pesticides. And choosing clothes made of natural fibers like cotton and hemp, which do not need to be dry cleaned , will eliminate exposure to harmful cleaning solvents.
Before Pregnancy
The period before a woman becomes pregnant is really the best time to make changes to reduce exposures to environmental contaminants that could accumulate in the mother's body and be passed on to her baby during gestation or breastfeeding. The best course of action obviously is to avoid the chemicals in the first place.
Eat organic fruits and vegetables when possible. Since cost and availablity can be a factor when buying organic, consult the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, and be sure to by the fruits and veggies listed under the MOST column organic wheneve possible.
Limit exposure to volatile organic compounds and harsh cleaning solvents. Studies show that exposure to certain compounds in cleaning products can cause reproductive harm such as birth defects and infertility.
Take care when using personal care products. Many cosmetics contain chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm. Only buy products from companies who have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.
Dr. Robert Roundtree, author of The New Breastfeeding Diet Plan, recommends herbs that help detoxify the body in a gentle way. Be sure to consult your own medical doctor before beginning any detox regimine.
During Pregnancy
Emerging research shows that the first 10 days of gestation are a critical window of fetal development and that exposure to chemicals that can interfere with hormones during this period may cause "glitches" in the process that may result in birth defects or cause other reproductive harm, such as infertility, in the offspring of mother's exposed during pregnancy.
Following all of the aforementioned advice for the "Before Pregnancy" period is recommended here, as is following the advice of your health care provider. Here are some additional guidelines to follow during pregnancy:
Contain yourself. Every pregnant woman knows how vital it is to drink enough water during pregnancy, but few that the vessel one drinks out of may be equally as important. Choose glass or stainless steel containers over those made with polycarbonate plastic. The shatter-proof clear plastic used in many popular sports bottles. Bisphenol-A, the building block of polycarbonate plastic is linked to cancer, birth defects, miscarriage and more.
Avoid cosmetics or perfumes that contain phthalates, as these chemicals have been shown to cause genital birth defects in baby boys born to mothers who were exposed during pregnancy.
Resist the urge to renovate before the baby arrives. All of the chemicals you introduce to your home environment (paints, off-gassing carpets, furniture treated with fire retardants) can linger in indoor air and be inhaled by you and your baby. Choose low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, opt for area rugs that can be washed over wall-to-wall carpeting.
For even more tips and advice than we could possibly list here, read The Complete Organic Pregnancy,by Deirdre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu, and The Virtuous Consumer, by Leslie Garret, both of which provide resources and recommendations for safer products and offer insights with grace and humor.
The most effective thing you can do, though, is RAISE YOUR VOICE. Support legislation that would limit or ban chemicals like PBDEs, and perchlorate, and pressure companies to test their products for safety BEFORE they sell them.
