As an expectant parent, you have more than a vested interest in the
future of the planet so what better time to ‘go green’ than while you
are pregnant. Read on to find out about pregnancy’s lurking dangers and
what you can do to keep you and your baby on the road to health
Plenty of greens – chemicals optional
Pregnant women are advised to eat a well-balanced diet including:
- Starchy foods such as pasta, rice and bread
- Calcium enriched foods such as milk, cheese and dairy products
- At least five portions of fruit or vegetables a day
Most of us believe that we are doing well if we drop an apple into our
lunchbox or pile up the broccoli on our dinner plate. However, the benefit
from these healthy foods is often reduced by the chemicals that accompany
them.
Take, for example, the humble apple. According to The Green Parent magazine,
the average apple contains twenty different chemicals, even after washing,
and there is not enough evidence that it is safe for pregnant women and
children to be eating this cocktail of chemicals.
Conventional farming uses pesticides which kill many soil organisms,
insects and larger creatures. The alternative is to go organic where no
artificial chemicals are used. Green People say “Organic farming encourages
a wide range of habitats and animals on organic farms have access to fields
and are fed on organic feed or grassland. They have no need for the routine
antibiotics and other drugs given to non-organic livestock.”
Scientists at The Organic Centre found that organic farming and organically
grown produce have higher levels of antioxidants than modern farmed produce
and claim this is partly the reason why organically farmed produce also
taste so much better.
Meat and fish – but avoid mercury
Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury and in most fish this is not
a problem. But certain fish contain relatively higher levels of mercury,
a potent neurotoxin that can harm a developing foetus.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says, “Pregnant women and women intending
to become pregnant should avoid shark, marlin and swordfish. They may
also need to limit the amount of tuna they eat.
“This is because of the possible risks to the developing nervous system
of the unborn child.”
Current guidelines from the FSA recommend that you limit your intake
of tuna to four medium sized cans or two steaks a week.
Keeping clean – the non-toxic way
According to the World Wildlife Fund, more than 300 man-made chemicals
have been found in human bodies. One of the biggest culprits are toxic
chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It is important
to avoid volatile organic chemicals because they include some carcinogens
and nervous-system toxins.
Found in paints, solvents, varnishes, preservatives, pesticides, oils
and sealants as well as many household cleaners and air fresheners. VOCs
are a major source of indoor air pollution because they vaporise into
the air you breathe and can evaporate from claeaning products, paints
and finishes long after they have dried.
Use least-toxic household cleaners and home decorating products such
as paints, pressed woods, upholstered furniture.
Beauty – an organic experience
Research published by Allergy UK’s ‘Stolen Lives: The Allergy Report’
showed that 67 per cent of respondents have adverse reactions to perfumes
and chemicals.
Charlotte Vhotz of Green People says “60 per cent of everything we put
on our skin is absorbed. When pregnant, all the toxins we come into contact
with are passed to the baby.”
It’s little wonder, then that pregnant women should avoid products containing
harsh and dangerous chemicals. However, most pregnant women don’t realise
that the very ingredients that make them feel and look better are the
same things that should be avoided at all costs.
Chemicals called phthalates are widely used in nail varnishes and mascaras,
adding flexibility and endurance to our favourite cosmetics. They are
often hidden under the term ‘fragrance’ and have been shown to cause birth
defects and harm to male reproductive organs in lab animals.
Choose products toiletries and cosmetics that are made from purely organic
materials, labelled “fragrance-free” or that are scented exclusively with
pure botanical or essential oils thus eliminating the risk from compounds
such as phthalates.
Cats, sheep and goats – be aware
Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by a parasite found in cat faeces,
raw meat, soil on vegetables, lambs and, occasionally, goats’ milk.
The infection can be passed on to the unborn baby and can cause miscarriage,
stillbirth, blindness, brain damage including hydrocephalus, epilepsy
or deafness.
Take a nine-month break from changing the cat litter and use gloves when
handling cats and kittens. Always wash fresh fruit and vegetables and
avoid contact with sheep, especially in the lambing season.
Thinking of going greener?
The Green Parent recommends the best place to start going organic is
with food.
“Fruit and vegetables are the obvious choices for starting to purchase
organic and especially carrots, apples, tomatoes and other salad vegetables.
Try out a few organic box schemes to see if you can find one which suits
your requirements.”
It can be a little more expensive but schemes such as the organic box
schemes mean local organically grown produce is picked and delivered to
your door within 24 hours. Take into account petrol or bus fares, parking
and your time (possibly the most precious commodity to any parent or parent-to-be)
and the cost soon balances out.
Where to next?
- Find out more about Pregnancy and chemicals
- Kids and chemicals – do they mix?
- Want to go green but not sure where to start? Talk to other parents
