Some environmental toxins, such as mercury and lead, can pass from a mother to her unborn child. A woman eating fish high in mercury during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby’s developing nervous system. Exposure to high levels of lead during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
Ways to prevent exposure from environmental sources:
- Reduce heavy or prolonged exertion when the air quality index indicates unhealthy levels of particulate matter and other air pollutants.
- Reduce use of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces or other indoor sources of particulate matter.
- Try to spend less time outdoors near areas with high traffic volume.
- Avoid exposure to lead, particularly in older homes that are being renovated. Houses built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint.
- Avoid mercury exposure. Some fish, especially albacore tuna, contain high levels of mercury.
- Avoid using chemicals, especially pesticides and any types of insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, miticides and fungicides. Stay away from areas recently sprayed with chemicals.