House Cleaning When Pregnant

Most pregnant women are very cautious when it comes to what to eat and drink during the pregnancy. Of course, doctors recommend that no alcohol be imbibed or cigarettes be smoked. Even secondhand smoke can have damaging affects on the baby and the mother. Mothers become acutely aware of all opportunities that they could possibly be exposed to secondhand smoke.

Yet, women aren’t always as vigilant when it comes to house cleaning supplies. Just like drinking alcohol or exposing oneself to secondhand smoke, exposing yourself to toxic home supplies can be as damaging.

The clean up is unavoidable, though, and sometimes even pregnant women have to use more than elbow grease to get something cleaned-up. Perhaps, too, you are in the process of preparing for the baby by renovating the office into a nursery. Either way, it is possible that you could be exposed to chemicals that are harmful for you and your growing child.

First of all, look closely at labels. If there is a skull and cross bones on the label, this obviously means that it is extremely harmful. You should be extremely cautious in handling these chemicals. Get heavy-duty gloves and make sure you are in a very well ventilated space. To clean your oven may not be a good idea because you are generally in a very tight space that can be difficult to ventilate.

It is never a good idea to mix chemicals together. If you need a specific type of house cleaning product, it is better to buy it directly off the shelf and pre-made. The chemistry involved in creating the product is not something that can be replicated in your home kitchen. There are ways to replicate some of the most popular heavy-duty cleaners using items that you may have in your pantry. Find recipes calling for baking soda and soap for a scrubbing agent.

Not all chemicals are harmful. Some chemicals are made with organic ingredients that are meant to be safe for the environment and relatively safer for you. Look for house cleaning supplies in green friendly grocery stores. There are plenty of products available on the shelf, that are easy on you and the environment.

If you are renovating the nursery, be very aware of the process of painting. While it isn’t necessary to worry about exposing yourself or your growing baby to lead, you should be concerned about the fumes. Doctors aren’t sure how standing in a room that isn’t well ventilated with strong fumes of fresh paint could affect a growing baby. It is best to be safe and leave the painting to some one else.

To be on the safe side, pregnant women should leave the house cleaning and painting to someone else whenever possible.