Chemical Products to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant women tend to focus more on their intake of food products, little did they know that there are also a lot of things to avoid especially cosmetic products when you are pregnant. There are so many to mention that is why to lessen the confusion, we will give you a list of the harmful chemicals found on different products that need to be avoided during pregnancy. When you see these chemicals in a certain product, do not use it during pregnancy or during lactation. 

1. Retinoids

These are usually are a prescription for anti-aging medications or acne. You may see this listed as retinaldehyde, adapalene, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, tazarotene, and isotretinoin. There is already a lot of studies that link retinoids to birth defects of developing babies.

2. Tetracycline

This chemical is usually seen in antibiotics that are also used in Lyme disease and acne. It is a known factor that can damage the mother’s liver and it is one of the reasons why a baby’s teeth while growing os discolored. There are other antibiotics safe for pregnancy that can treat acne and Lyme such as erythromycin and amoxicillin bit be sure to consult with your doctors first.

3. Hydroquinone 

This is known as an effective agent for skin lightening, especially those who have melasma and chloasma. The specialist advised that if you are planning to get pregnant, avoid products that contain this chemical as soon as possible because it may interfere with your hormones. At least 45% of the product is absorbed by the skin especially when used as tropical that may be mixed into your bloodstream.

4. Phthalates

This chemical is usually seen on products with synthetic fragrances and nail polishes. This is also the leading chemical for making plastic that contributes to its flexibility and strength. There were reports that pregnant women exposed to this chemical will have an abnormal fetal development and that ADHD, high blood pressure and diabetes are the common illnesses that the baby can develop. There are different products in the market, especially skincare products that are labeled as phthalate-free.

5. Formaldehyde

This is usually found on hair straightening treatments, eyelash glue, and nail polish. Formaldehyde is a popular term that has a negative connotation that is why it is labeled as quaternion-15, Diazolidinyl urea, 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1, sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate, and 3-diol. If it can’t be avoided to have some hair treatment or nail polish during pregnancy, make sure to carefully check the ingredients to ensure that it doesn’t contain formaldehyde. 

6. Toluene

This is one of the toxins that you need to avoid during pregnancy together with phthalates and formaldehyde. Toluene is considered a carcinogen that is not only known next to cause abnormalities to grow fetus but it also has a negative impact on humans that causes fatality if exposed in large amounts. There are different sectors that propose that totally ban of this chemical.

7. Ammonia

It is a chemical that has a foul smell. It’s chemical composition, as well as its odor, irritates the skin and lungs. Experts suggest that whether you are pregnant or not. Avoid this product because it has an immediate side effect on the body. When inhaled it triggers asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It’s usually found on hair dyes. It is important to let your hairstylist know that you use a low-to-no ammonia hair product.

Final Thoughts

Nowadays, there are so many products that can make or break one’s physical features. When you are pregnant, you should always be keen about the products to avoid because it could have a direct effect on your body functioning as well as the developing fetus in your womb.

Read also:

• Things To Avoid If I Want To Get Pregnant
• Best Cleaning Products That are Safe for Pregnancy
• Pregnancy and Chemical Peeling: Everything You Need to Know