There are a number of relatively easy things you can do to protect your child from toxins during pregnancy.
Regular checkups from your doctor are essential for you, your baby and your partner. Make sure you arrange for prenatal checkups and be extra diligent if either you or your partner works with toxic or harmful substances. Always research alternative remedies and choose less-harmful medicines.
Make sure that the air you breathe in your home is good. Open windows daily and ventilate your house. Stop mould from growing in your house by fixing any leaks you can find. If you use a furnace or fireplace, make sure that the correct filters and chimneys are installed. Any appliances that use combustion should be checked for harmful emissions.
Give up smoking and avoid being near to smokers. Test your house for traces of radon gas. When you go to a petrol station avoid filling up your own car.
Make sure you drink clean water. Install filters on your taps and have the water tested. Run the tap for a few minutes in the morning to get rid of possible copper and lead deposits in the pipes. Don't use hot water from the hot water cylinder for cooking or drinking.
Eating sensibly is important to healthy development for your baby. Eat food that is high in folic acid, calcium and iron. Fresh produce should be organically grown. Peel any non-organically grown vegetables and fruit; this limits your exposure to pesticides. If you use ceramic plates and cookware, make sure that it is certified lead-free. Buy lean meat and reduce your intake of animal fat. Drink as little alcohol as possible and avoid using aspartame sweeteners. Use glass microwave dishes instead of plastic.
