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Pregnancy is an especially precarious time for women. Moreover, the developing baby’s health is greatly affected by the mother’s health. This is why pregnant women and their partners should be knowledgeable of the toxins that are especially harmful to the mother and the baby. Aside from this, they should know which food items may carry these harmful toxins and how to minimize exposure.

You don’t have to look further for we have compiled these useful tips for you.

Mercury

Fish like salmon and trout are highly beneficial for the mother and the developing baby. However, mercury levels in fish are of huge concern for they can have a negative effect on the brain and sensory organs of the developing baby. Although these types of fish don’t usually harbor a lot of mercury compared to tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish, certain environmental factors may increase their mercury content. If the pregnant woman plans to eat fish, check with the local health department first. Look for any health advisory on fishes. If there is no cause for concern, then you’re good to go. Aside from fishes, mercury can come from your tap as well. So, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, consider purchasing filters that can remove mercury from the water.

Pesticides

Minimize the usage of bug sprays and insect repellents. Several studies have shown that they are harmful to the neurological development of the unborn baby. Aside from bug sprays and insect repellents, exposure to pesticides can come from raw fruits and vegetables. Which is why they should be washed properly.

Arsenic

There are a lot of reasons why pregnant women shouldn’t smoke. One of the reasons why is the significant amount of arsenic present in tobacco leaves. Arsenic can easily cross the placenta and has been associated with impaired fetal growth, low birth weight, and an increased chance of fetal and infant death. Besides tobacco products, arsenic can come from your drinking water. This is especially true if your drinking water comes from groundwater. Thus, we recommend that you install a filter that removes arsenic from your drinking water.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls or PCBs

PCBs are byproducts of industrial processes which may end up in bodies of freshwater and absorbed by the freshwater fish living there. They are highly toxic and can cause developmental and neurological problems in the developing baby. If you are unsure if the fish that you purchased is free of PCBs or not, you can prepare them in a certain way to eliminate any PCBs present in it. Since PCBs are stored in fat, you can remove the fish’s fat and skin to eliminate most of the PCBs.

Cadmium

Pregnant women who are exposed to cadmium are more likely to deliver babies with low birth weight and to have spontaneous abortion. Unfortunately, cadmium is present in food. They are usually present in high amounts in bivalve mollusks and wild mushrooms which is why the pregnant woman should avoid these. They may also be present in high amounts in soil, which is why raw fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly. In doing so, you would be able to remove any cadmium-containing dirt present. Cigarette smoke may contain cadmium as well.

There are a lot of toxins present in food that pregnant women should be wary of. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize exposure to these toxins. Some are practical such as avoiding tobacco products and washing food items, while others entail some minor spending such as installing filters on the tap. Show your love and care to your unborn baby by following our suggestions and minimizing your exposure to these toxins.

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