Cleaning Precautions During Pregnancy

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

18 Mar 2008 08:48 AM

If you are pregnant, you may be concerned about cleaning products. There is good reason for worry since cleaning products we use every day contain a wide variety of chemicals with unknown side effects.

A recent study in the UK suggests heavy use of cleaning products during pregnancy can increase the unborn baby's risk of developing asthma. The study looked at the link between childhood asthma and cleaning product use in pregnancy, particularly bleach and spray air fresheners.

The study found that babies of mothers who frequently used bleach and air fresheners during pregnancy had a 41 percent higher risk of developing asthma compared to mothers who did not use these products.

This study only looked at prenatal exposure and found it was a potential trigger. Keep in mind that there are many triggers for asthma in susceptible individuals. Triggers vary according to each person, but can include chemicals, pet dander, dust, pollen, mold and many other allergens.

If you have a history of asthma in the family, you may want to take every precaution with your growing baby. This is certainly understandable. Fortunately, you have healthier options to commercial cleaning products.

You can make your own cleaning products at home with a few simple ingredients. Baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice and essential oils can be used to create environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to use at home. Recipes can be found in books or by searching the internet for homemade cleaning products.

If you don't want to make your own products, you can purchase natural cleaning products. These are available at health food stores or on the internet. Some grocery stores are now carrying green cleaning products.

When you are using a commercial cleaning product that contains bleach or spraying air freshener in your home, be sure the area is well ventilated. Open windows and doors and turn on fans to help circulate the air and reduce fumes. Related Articles:

Safer Cleaning Methods for Pregnant Women

Creating a Greener Home for Your Baby

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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