Two recent studies have linked environmental issues to premature and low birth weight babies. First a study of Chinese newborns published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests that pregnant women exposed to phthalates could have an increased risk of delivering a low birth weight baby. Those plasticizers commonly found in shower curtains, soft plastic toys, cleaning products and even personal care products mimic estrogen and may interfere with fetal development.

Another study conducted by scientists at the University of California found that women exposed to air pollution along highways and congested roads are more likely to deliver prematurely and suffer from preeclampsia. The findings were based on women living in the traffic-heavy area of Long Beach/Orange County, California.

So what can you do if your pregnant or planning to concieve?  Certainly, you can’t freak out over every little study, but trying to reduce your body burden by choosing eco-friendly products and limiting your exposure to potentially toxic chemicals before and during pregnacy can’t hurt. You can also sign petitions to ban phthalates in toys and other products. And ideally you should try to live in neighborhoods where truck and car exhuast exposure isn’t an issue, but if that’s not possible try to reduce your commute and close car and home windows to reduce emissions exposure. Supporting cleaner, green cars for the future is another good first step.

Powered by Bookmarkify™