Infections
As you may know, Chlamydia can damage your fertility. And, once you are pregnant, it can cause other problems.
An infected pregnant woman can pass on Chlamydia trachomatis to her baby during delivery, resulting in conjunctivitis, failure to thrive, gastro-enteritis and respiratory problems. It may also be a causal agent for otitis media (‘glue ear’), so it needs to be treated as soon as possible when diagnosed.
Toxins
Mercury
Mercury is a toxic metal found in dental fillings and there are concerns about its effects during pregnancy. One study demonstrated how quickly mercury passes from the mother to the baby. Pregnant sheep were fitted with 12 molars filled with amalgam (a mixture of mercury and other metals used in dentistry). These contained radioactive mercury so that the researchers could track the path of the mercury. As early as three days after putting in the fillings, mercury accumulation was seen in both the mother’s and baby’s blood and in the amniotic fluid. The mercury was also present in the baby’s kidneys and liver, which showed higher mercury accumulation than the mother. After the birth of the lambs, the mercury continued to be transferred to the lambs via the milk, with the level in the milk testing eight times higher than in the mother’s blood.
The Department of Health has suggested that pregnant women do not have mercury (amalgam) fillings during pregnancy. I would take that further and recommend that you avoid all dental work, if at all possible, during pregnancy.
Occupational Hazards
Many occupations pose a risk once the woman is pregnant. It has been found that pregnant women exposed to organic solvents have a 13-fold risk of having a baby with a serious congenital malformation. These solvents can be present in the printing, graphic design, clothing, textile and healthcare professions. The suspected solvents include hydrocarbons, phenols, trichloroethylene, xylene, vinyl chloride and acetone.
Normal office equipment, such as photocopiers, fax machines, computers and laser printers, can produce high levels of ozone. It is worth keeping the office stocked with plants to keep the air as fresh as possible. Houseplants will stop the air becoming too dry, as well as absorbing a certain amount of radiation and acting as air purifiers.
You may be in a job that regularly exposes you to hazards and you will need to think about whether the risk can be minimized or whether you may have to change your occupation. Women exposed to pesticides can have miscarriages, stillbirths and babies with malformations. This is why it is so important to think about your occupation and consider whether you have to make changes in order to protect yourself and your child.
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