WHICH HARMFUL SUBSTANCES CAN CROSS THE PLACENTA?

The placenta protects the foetus against most bacteria and does offer some protection from infection. However, it does not protect the foetus against viruses such as German measles.

It has been established that alcohol, nicotine and other illegal and pharmaceutical drugs can cross the placenta and can cause damage to your unborn baby.

Various environmental toxins have been found to cross the placental barrier. These toxins pose a significant hazard to the foetus, and have been linked with an increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality. Environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke, mercury, lead, dioxin, air pollutants and pesticides are among those known to cross the placental barrier and cause harm to the foetus, and studies have shown that toxic chemicals used in everyday cleaning, hygiene and cosmetic products contaminate the bodies of pregnant women, who pass the chemicals on to their foetuses before birth. Chemicals to watch out for in cosmetic products include triclosan, butyl acetate, butylated hydroxytoluene, coal tar, diethanolamine, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, parabens, fragrance, petrolatum, siloxanes, and sodium laureth sulfate.

To decrease your exposure to environmental toxins in pregnancy:

■ Decrease exposure to pesticides by washing all produce thoroughly, peeling the skin from fruits and vegetables and buying organic produce.

■ Limit the use of chemicals in your household, and use natural cleaning products such as baking soda, vinegar and/or water instead.

■ Limit the amount of canned foods you eat, as the cans often contain BPA.

■ Avoid fish that is high in mercury such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tuna.

■ Wash your hands before cooking and eating to remove the chemicals found in household dust.