Healthy Pregnancy
The term "healthy pregnancy" conjures up so
many different thoughts and ideas, depending on whom you are
speaking with. To some people it means staying within a certain
weight gain. To others it means getting through it without
having complications. And yet to others, it means eating what
you want as long as you take your prenatal vitamins! To us it is
much more than that. Having a healthy pregnancy is doing
everything in your power to nutrient your body and your baby
properly, protect your unborn baby from environmental toxins,
and provide a stress-free environment.
Avoiding Environmental Toxins for a Healthy Pregnancy
This topic is a bit more complex, as many people first have
to realize that there are toxins in everyday life, which are
consumed, breathed in, and handled without much knowledge to
what we are doing to our bodies. During pregnancy, it is even
more important to become aware of these toxins since
the baby is not protected as we once believed it was. If you
are under the impression that our government (the FDA or the
EPA) does their best to protect us from dangerous toxins and
carcinogens, you are dead wrong. If you are confused about what
is safe and what is not, it is always better to err on the side
of caution. Many moms of seemingly healthy babies have declared,
"but my babies turned out fine, and I didn't do anything
special..." Generally, those are the same people who later ask,
"why did my child get cancer?" Diseases, including cancer, are
increasing in tremendous rates in children, and it's time to
stop asking, "why?" and start taking action in our own personal
lives. How do we do this?
Avoid Mercury-
Mercury is toxic to both mother and baby. It comes from
contaminated fish, vaccinations, impure water, and mercury
fillings.
Avoid Parabens-
Parabens have been implicated in breast cancer and their
safety has not been proven. Parabens are used as preservatives
in bath and body products and should definitely be avoided in
products that remain on the skin.
Avoid Tap Water-
Tap water, and even many bottled
waters contain toxic substances that are not safe for human
consumption. The problem is, many people feel if it doesn't kill
them on the spot, then it must be safe. Not so!
Water quality during pregnancy is especially important.
Avoid Harmful Cleaners-
Cleaning solvents, even when put
away, release VOC's (volatile organic compounds) into the air,
causing respiratory problems and asthma. Make your own
non-toxic cleaning products! (If you are wondering which
ones are "harmful," if you bought it from your local grocer it
probably is, unless it is a "natural" or environmentally
friendly brand. And then you are somewhat safer).
Avoid Contaminated Air-
"Babies' DNA can be damaged even
before they are born if their mothers breathe polluted air."
-Kenneth Olden, Director National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences (NIEHS) Use an
air
purifier to clean your air at home or work.
Avoid Unfiltered Showers-
Taking a 10 minute shower allows as many contaminants in your
body as it would if you drank the same water all day. These
contaminants do reach your unborn baby.
Filter your shower! Stress During Pregnancy
To many people stress itself is considered a toxin. It really
does wreak havoc on your entire body, and it's been shown to
affect unborn babies as well. If you've just read all of the
above, you might be stressed out! But many people are constantly
surrounded by stress, many of it self-inflicted. The best thing
you can do for yourself and your unborn child is avoid as much
stress as possible, release stress with relaxation techniques or
exercise, and try to keep a positive outlook. Some people handle
stressful events much more eloquently than others, and people
like me, we can't handle any stress at all. No matter where you
fit in, keep tabs on your daily stress levels and think about
ways to improve them. There are many books on this topic, so if
you have access to a great library or book store, browse through
them until you find one that appeals to you. If you are like me,
simply getting the opportunity to go to the library or quiet
place to think is a stress reliever in itself! Have a Healthy
Pregnancy!
We hope that this information has been helpful to you and
that you take action where necessary. We hope that you have a
healthy pregnancy and that the result is a happy, healthy
newborn who brings you endless amounts of joy! |