Household or Chemical Exposure during Pregnancy

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KEY POINTS

• Most household exposures don’t cause birth defects or miscarriages, but some exposures carry risks for you and your pregnancy.
• Avoid exposure to cleaning chemicals, paint, and pesticides as much as possible.
• If you have questions about any exposure, call your healthcare provider.

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Most household exposures don’t cause birth defects or miscarriages. However, some exposures do carry risks for you and your pregnancy.

Here are some tips to help you avoid some household exposures:

• Avoid using chemicals, such as bleach and other cleaning products, to clean your home. Consider asking others to help you with cleaning tasks that require chemical cleaners.
• If you need to remove wall paint, ask a paint expert to test and remove the paint, especially if solvents will be used or if the paint contains lead.
• You may paint the walls of your house or furniture during pregnancy. Do it on a dry day and open the doors and windows of the house so the air will circulate. Don’t tire yourself. Take frequent breaks, and drink a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration and dizziness. Avoid using a ladder because your sense of balance may be changed by pregnancy. If the paint makes you feel sick, stop right away and go to a part of the house where there is fresh air.
• Avoid shellac and varnishes because the solvents used may be harmful with long exposure. They may also cause dizziness and nausea.
• Avoid pesticide exposures, especially bug and yard sprays. Although the exact risks are not known, it’s possible they could cause problems with a developing baby.
• Avoid high temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.8 degrees Celsius, such as hot tubs, saunas, or hot baths where you are unable to sweat to cool your body. This is especially important in the first 3 months of pregnancy. It is ok to go outside in hot weather, but be sure to drink plenty of water.

There is no definite proof that the chemicals used to perm or color hair can cause problems for your baby. However, some studies show that the chemicals in hair dyes could be harmful and should be avoided during pregnancy.

If you have questions about any other exposures, especially if the exposure is long term or continuous, call your healthcare provider.