Pregnancy and Environmental Factors: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy and Environmental Factors: What You Need to Know

Your environment can have major impacts on your pregnancy, both for good and for bad. In order to have the healthiest possible pregnancy and baby, it’s important to understand what the risks are from environmental factors – and what you can do to lower the risks.

Risks from Environmental Factors

Exposure to environmental risks can occur in different ways, all of which could have an impact on your pregnancy:

• Air Pollution: Air pollution can affect the fetus by inhaling particles as well as toxins that could even include heavy metals. Additionally, air pollution can contribute to pregnancy complications, such as preterm delivery.
• Pesticides: Exposure to pesticides can cause preterm labor, low birth weight, and growth delays.
• Radiation: Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, can increase the risk of birth defects. It’s important to minimize exposure during pregnancy.

Reducing Your Risks

Lowering your risk from environmental factors during pregnancy can help ensure a healthy pregnancy:

• Encourage any home or office where you spend a lot of time to eliminate any or all of the sources of air pollution.
• Limit your exposure to pesticides by using natural products when cleaning and in your garden.
• Be vigilant about avoiding any unnecessary radiation exposure. In areas with radiation, wear a badge to monitor your levels.
• Stay informed about environmental conditions in the weather and in your community.

By taking some simple steps, you can ensure that your pregnancy is as safe as possible from environmental risks. Taking the extra time to limit your exposure to environmental factors during pregnancy can have huge benefits for both you and your baby.