July 18, 2014
7 Tips for a Green Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a delicate time, and one of the most important times to avoid the harmful chemicals that are often found in personal care products, conventional cleaning supplies, and even our food. Studies have shown over the years that unnecessary exposure to these chemicals can have a negative effect on the health of unborn children and pregnant women.
At Greenapple House Cleaning, we know how important your health, and the health of your baby is. That’s why we’ve complied this simple list of tips to help make your pregnancy a green one.
Tips for a Green Pregnancy
- Make your own cleaning products– Chemicals in conventional home cleaning products have been linked to birth defects, reduced fertility, hormone disruption, asthma, and even an increased risk of breast cancer. In addition, the fumes from many of these products can be overwhelming to a pregnant woman’s increased sense of smell. Making your own cleaning products is easy, though, with safe, effective ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.
- Avoid synthetic fragrances– Synthetic fragrances, like those found in air fresheners, personal care products, laundry detergents, and cleaners often contain hundreds of chemicals that have been lined to reproductive and developmental risks. If you want to improve the odor of your home, use essential oils in your homemade laundry detergents and home cleaning products.
- Avoid BPA– BPA, or Bisphenol-A, is often located in plastic products and can liners. Exposure to this chemical has been linked to cancer, diabetes, obesity, and infertility. To go BPA-free, choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned and look for products that are stored in cardboard or glass lined containers instead of cans.
- Avoid paint exposure– When it’s time to paint the nursery, have a friend or your partner use low or no VOC paint. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds can often be found in paint and have been known to be linked to respiratory irritation and cancer.
- Stay away from pesticides– Significant exposure to pesticides can increase your baby’s risk of birth defects, disrupt hormones, and has been linked to learning disabilities in children. If at all possible, eat organic and use traps and baits instead of pesticides to get rid of pests.
- Take off your shoes– Did you know that your shoes can track toxic chemicals into your home? By taking them off at the door, you can reduce the amount of chemicals you’re bringing into the house.
- Dust correctly– Dust in your home can carry harmful chemicals that have shed off of electronics, furniture, and household products. When you dust, be careful not to spread these chemicals around. Capture them with a micro-fiber cloth and a vacuum with a HEPA-filter.
Struggling to stay green during your pregnancy? Greenapple House Cleaning knows just how busy you are preparing for your little one, and we’re here to help. We’ll make sure your home is a safe, clean environment, free of the toxic chemicals found in many conventional home cleaning products. With our assistance, you can be sure your home is as green as possible during your pregnancy.
