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Which cleaning products are safe for pregnancy?

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Cleaning while pregnant isn't off-limits. Most household cleaning products are safe, though a few could increase the risk of health problems in your baby if you use them in large amounts or for a long period of time.

Dishwasher and laundry detergents, window cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners are usually safe to use during pregnancy. But heavy-duty cleaners like undiluted bleach, tile cleaner, and oven cleaner, as well as air fresheners, can release toxic substances into the air. Inhaling such cleaning products while pregnant could allow these chemicals to cross the placenta and reach your growing baby.

In a few studies, the children of women who often used cleaning sprays – including those containing bleach and other disinfectants – and air fresheners during their pregnancy were more likely to wheeze, have lung problems, and got more frequent lower respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you avoid getting your clothes dry cleaned while pregnant, as well, since solvents in the cleaners can be harmful.

One way to avoid chemical exposure is to clean your home with nontoxic products. You can search the Environmental Working Group's website for safety ratings on home cleaners. To avoid fumes from strong solvents (like those in oven or tile cleaners) while you're pregnant, you can make your own cleaners with household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.

Follow the instructions on the label to make sure you're using cleaning products safely. Never combine cleaning products, because that could cause a poisonous chemical reaction. If you need to use a strong solvent, open the windows to ventilate the room so you don't breathe in the fumes while you're cleaning. It's also a good idea to wear gloves when you clean. Or, if there's a big cleaning job that you can't put off, ask your partner or another loved one to handle it for you.

If your job involves handling dangerous or toxic chemicals, talk to your boss and your provider to make a safe plan for your pregnancy. And if you have questions about safe cleaning during pregnancy, ask your healthcare provider for advice.

Whether you buy them or make them, do you use cleaning products with nontoxic or eco-friendly ingredients?

Mostly or always

Sometimes

Rarely or never

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Stephanie Watson

Stephanie Watson is a freelance health and lifestyle writer based in Rhode Island. When she’s not busy writing, Watson loves to travel, try new cuisines, and attend as many concerts, shows, and plays as she can fit into her busy schedule.

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Toxic household products to avoid during pregnancy

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Almost every pregnant woman will come into contact with chemicals that could possibly harm her or her baby. Usually it’s such a small amount that you don’t need to worry, but it’s still a good idea to avoid some toxic products while you're pregnant.

What are 'toxic' household products?

We are surrounded by chemicals and toxins (poisons). They include pesticides in the garden, flame retardants on furniture, lead, mercury and some cleaning products.

Most chemicals you come across in your daily life won’t harm your baby. But if you are exposed to large quantities of chemicals for a long time, it’s possible your child will be at an increased risk of congenital disorders or future health problems.

If you breathe or swallow some chemicals, they can enter your bloodstream and pass to your baby via the placenta. Your baby can also be exposed to chemicals after they are born through your breastmilk or if they put their fingers in their mouth.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, these tips will help you minimise your exposure.

Chemicals to avoid when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

Pesticides and herbicides

Some pesticides (bug killers) and herbicides (weed killers) are known to affect developing and newborn babies. Usually pesticides used in the home and for professional pest treatments are safe. But it’s a good idea to avoid them as much as possible while you are pregnant. Ask someone else, like a licensed pest control professional, to do the treatment for you.

Cleaning products

Although most cleaning products are safe, there have been reports of some household chemicals causing wheezing in early childhood. To be on the safe side, wear gloves and avoid breathing in fumes from products such as oven and tile cleaners.

Paint

Most paint fumes are safe while you’re pregnant, but there is a slightly increased risk if you use solvent-based paints or strip old paintwork as these may contain traces of lead. Choose a water-based paint and a paint brush or roller rather than spray (which contains solvents). Make sure the room is well ventilated if you paint — or have someone else do it for you.

Mosquito repellent

All mosquito repellents in Australia have been tested and are safe to use. However, a small amount of the chemicals DEET or picaridin will enter the skin, and it’s best to take care during the first 3 months of pregnancy Choose a repellent with a low to moderate concentration of the chemical — between 5% and 20% — and consider other ways to avoid mosquitos, such as fly screens and long sleeves.

Mercury

Being exposed to high levels of mercury can damage your health and increase the likelihood of brain damage, and hearing and vision problems in a developing baby. Some fish contain mercury, including shark (flake), broadbill, marlin and swordfish. To be on the safe side, pregnant women should limit eating these species of fish to no more than once a fortnight. If you need a dental filling, talk to your dentist about options that don’t contain mercury.

Arsenic-treated timber

Outdoor wood is often treated with copper, chromium or arsenic to protect it from dry rot, fungi, mould and termites. This treatment has been linked to some cancers, diabetes, miscarriage and stillbirth. It gives the wood a greenish tinge, which fades over time. You can protect yourself and your baby by not putting food on arsenic-treated timber and washing your (and your child’s) hands after they play on it.

Nail polish

Formaldehyde is a chemical used in nail polish, some cosmetics and hair-straightening products. The amount of formaldehyde in nail polish is very small and quickly broken down by the body, however adverse effects on the baby cannot be ruled out. So it’s best to use nail polishes that don’t have formaldehyde.

Paint and lead-based products

High levels of lead in the body can affect the health of unborn babies and children. Very high levels can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or even miscarriage or stillbirth. It's important to keep your exposure to lead as low as possible.

Paint containing lead was used in many Australian houses before 1970, so avoid stripping old paint while you’re pregnant. Consuming a small flake of paint the size of a 5-cent piece can raise levels in your blood for several weeks, and some of this will remain in the body for life. It's important to keep young children away from old paint, too.

Flame retardants

Chemicals used to make household furniture less flammable have been linked to learning disabilities in children. To avoid exposure, wash your hands frequently, use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter and mop the floor regularly. Also, avoid coming into contact any foam inside the furniture.

Dry cleaning chemicals

It’s safe to have your clothes dry cleaned when you’re pregnant. If you come into contact with a lot of the chemicals – if, for example, you work at a dry cleaners — you may be at a slightly increased risk of miscarriage. Talk to your employer about working safely while you are pregnant.

Asbestos

Asbestos was used in many building materials in Australia and is linked to several lung diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. While there is no evidence that asbestos can affect your pregnancy or result in a congenital disorder, you should avoid contact with asbestos — or suspected sources of asbestos — at any time.

BPA

The chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is found in most plastics, and can pass from a mother to her baby in the womb. It has been suggested that it can cause brain and behaviour problems in some children. However, Food Standards Australia New Zealand says BPA used in food packaging poses no health risks to people of any age, including unborn children and infants.

Mothballs (naphthalene)

Mothballs contain the chemical naphthalene, which has been known to give people headaches, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. It can also lead to serious health problems in small children because they are more likely to put mothballs in their mouths. Don’t use mothballs around children under 3 years and make sure they’re stored safely.

How to avoid exposure to chemicals

To reduce your exposure to chemicals:

Store all chemicals safely — out of the reach of children and with safety caps screwed on correctly.
Always read and follow the instructions on any packaging.
Find alternatives, if you can — for example, use products that contain low levels of chemicals, or baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.
Wash your hands regularly.
Consider not renovating while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have a task that involves chemicals (such as some types of cleaning), ask someone else to do it.
Keep your home well ventilated.

Working with chemicals during pregnancy

If your work involves exposure to chemicals, talk to your employer. They must carry out a risk assessment and find ways to reduce your exposure. By law, employers must make work safe for you and your baby when you are pregnant.

For more information, contact Safe Work Australia.

Where to seek help

If you are exposed to a toxic product while you are pregnant, don’t panic. Remember, it’s only long-term exposure to large quantities of chemicals that could potentially harm your baby. A one-off exposure is very unlikely to cause any harm.

If you are worried, call the Poisons Information Hotline on 13 11 26.

For more information and advice, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse.

Sources:

Babycenter Australia (What chemicals should I avoid during pregnancy), California Childcare Health Program (Minimizing Exposure to Toxic Flame-Retardants), Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Lead), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (Mercury in fish), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (Bisphenol A (BPA)), Healthy WA (Pregnancy and pesticides), Healthy WA (Stay safe around copper chrome arsenate treated wood), NSW Health (Lead exposure in children), NSW Health (Naphthalene in moth balls and toilet deodorant cakes), NSW Health (Asbestos and health risks), Safe Work Australia (Managing risks of exposure to solvents in the workplace), Thorax (Frequent use of chemical household products is associated with persistent wheezing in pre-school age children), RANZCOG (Common questions in pregnancy), UK Teratology Information Service (Exposure to formaldehyde in pregnancy)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2020

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8 Things About Household Cleaning During Pregnancy.
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House Cleaning During Pregnancy: Pros and Cons

It is not possible to give up household chores completely for nine months. From the point of view of doctors, cleaning during pregnancy plays a positive role. Moderate physical activity benefits the mother and fetus: improves blood circulation, helps keep muscles in good shape, reduce swelling and not gain extra pounds.

Home hygiene helps prevent bacterial and viral diseases. Carrying heavy buckets or climbing on window sills to clean windows is still not worth it. It is better to delegate these tasks to other family members or call a professional cleaner.

A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy. Each trimester has its own characteristics. They should be taken into account when distributing loads during the cleaning process.

There are also a number of activities that are strictly prohibited for pregnant women:

Climbing a ladder, stool, window sill and other “high-altitude” objects;

Lift weights over 5 kg, especially in the early stages;

Use prohibited household chemicals1;

Clean up the litter box and garden because of the risk of toxoplasmosis;

Make sudden movements: tilts, turns, squats;

Exposing the body to physical stress for a long time, denying yourself rest.

Is it safe to use household chemicals

Cleaning products should be chosen carefully during pregnancy. It is better to give preference to natural cleaners: citric acid, soda, vinegar. However, household chemicals and pregnancy are also quite compatible things. The enhanced composition of store detergents allows you to get rid of germs, bacteria and mold. All household chemicals on the Russian market are subject to examination in terms of sanitary-chemical and toxicological indicators. If a drug has the potential to cause harm to a pregnant woman or unborn child, a warning label is displayed on the label.

During the first trimester, the baby's vital systems and organs are formed. To protect the fetus from the action of various toxins, the female body produces a special hormone - gonadotropin. Thanks to him, cleaning in early pregnancy can be accompanied by hypersensitivity to odors and toxicosis. To avoid "side" effects, gynecologists recommend using fragrance-free detergents.

To combat pathogenic biofilm in the bathroom and toilet, powerful antibacterial agents like Domestos are indispensable. Sodium hypochlorite in its composition effectively kills germs and mold, keeping plumbing clean. All work must be carried out with rubber gloves and a respirator, and the premises themselves must be well ventilated;

Even with the right organization of the entrance area, dirt and microbes brought on shoes from the street spread throughout the apartment. Glorix disinfectant will get rid of potentially dangerous microorganisms, dust and other contaminants. Washing floors should also be done with protective gloves;

The kitchen seems to be one of the cleanest places in the house. However, high temperature, humidity, microdrops of fat and bacteria brought on the products create all the conditions for the growth of harmful microorganisms. Work surfaces should be cleaned regularly with Cif cleaning gels or sprays, and sponges and kitchen towels should be changed every couple of weeks;

Lime scale, grease stains and other dirt can be removed with folk remedies. Apply a slurry of soda powder to the surface and after a while wash it off with a solution of vinegar;

Test on an inconspicuous area before applying detergent;

Carefully read the instructions, precautions and contraindications on the cleaning agent bottle. Follow the indicated dosage;

Never mix household chemicals. This can cause a reaction with the release of volatile chlorine - the strongest of household poisons;

If your general condition worsens after cleaning, dizziness or nausea occurs during pregnancy, immediately inform your family and, if possible, consult a doctor.

Replace your regular mop with a modern model with a longer handle and wringer;

Water bucket on wheels makes cleaning a lot easier;

Avoid bending over and putting pressure on your stomach. If you need to lean forward, bend your knees and gently stretch in the desired direction;

Vacuuming should be carried out with slow, smooth movements, after opening the windows for ventilation;

Many pregnant women find it easier to clean the floor by hand, gently kneeling or squatting;

If you have frequent low back pain, ask your doctor for a special abdominal support bandage.

It is forbidden to climb ladders, chairs and other high objects to avoid the risk of falling;

It is strictly forbidden to lean out of the windows - entrust the washing of external surfaces to household members;

Do not raise your hands above your head - for cleaning remote areas, you can purchase a special scraper or mini window mop with a long handle;

Instead of aerosol detergents, it is better to use a citric acid solution.

It is better to replace ordinary washing powder with a sulfate-free detergent without fragrances - this will reduce the risk of allergic reactions;

Wet laundry becomes heavier - it is better to entrust it to your spouse;

Remove clothes from the washer in small batches and leave to dry at height.

Is it possible to wash floors during pregnancy

Washing floors and vacuuming during pregnancy is definitely possible. However, there is no universal instruction for this type of cleaning - doctors recommend proceeding from well-being and working in the most comfortable position for no more than half an hour, after which take a 15-minute break.

The successful course of pregnancy and childbirth is the merit of progesterone. The same hormone weakens the natural immune barrier, makes ligaments and joints more mobile. Along with the growth of the abdomen, the center of gravity shifts - this creates an additional load on the back.

Is it possible to wash windows during pregnancy

Clean windows not only please the eye, but also provide the necessary insolation. Windows should be washed as they get dirty. On the first floors, dust settles on the glass faster. The same applies to houses adjacent to highways and industrial zones.

How to wash and iron during pregnancy

Doctors advise against hand washing during pregnancy. It is detrimental to the back, besides it takes a lot of strength. If there is no choice, you should take the most comfortable position. Sit on a chair with a backrest, placing the basin with linen in front of you on a slight elevation.

Most modern materials do not need to be ironed. It is enough to dry things properly, and they can be worn. It is more convenient to align the folds and provide additional disinfection with a steam iron. For supporters of classic irons and ironing boards, doctors recommend doing all the work in a sitting position - this will help reduce the load on the legs and back, avoid swelling and varicose veins, and at the same time be less tired.

Cooking and washing dishes, as well as cleaning during pregnancy, should be done in a simplified manner. Get a comfortable chair to relieve stress on your back. Take frequent breaks and don't overwork yourself. Any household chores can wait - the main thing is your well-being and the health of the baby.

Use of Domestos in Pregnancy: Tips

How Harmful Domestos Is? If the product has the potential to harm a pregnant woman and an unborn baby, a warning must be placed on the label (1).

Domestos is a chlorine-based cleaner, so it is important to follow the directions carefully when using it. All-purpose cleaners of the line contain

Before using Domestos products, please read these simple recommendations:

Read the instructions on the back of the bottle carefully. Use in a concentrated form only on the surfaces intended for this purpose, and when diluted, follow the proportions indicated on the label.

Never mix Domestos with other household chemicals. This can lead to a sudden release of chlorine gas - it is extremely dangerous.

Store the detergent in its original packaging in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets.

Wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask.

Be sure to ventilate the room during and after cleaning.

Good ventilation is particularly important - prolonged exposure to household chemical vapors can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation. If a pregnant woman has inhaled Domestos, consult a doctor to rule out the risk of an allergic reaction. With the right precautions, you can keep your home perfectly clean without fear of harm to your health.

Pregnancy and Domestos: pros and cons

In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, all systems and organs of the baby are laid. At this time, the mother's body with might and main produces chorionic gonadotropin - a hormone designed to protect the child from all possible toxins.

It is he who is the main culprit of toxicosis and hypersensitivity to odors. Susceptibility to many substances persists throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Therefore, doctors advise limiting the use of household chemicals, cosmetics and perfumes. At the same time, the reaction of the body for each woman is individual: if you are used to using Domestos for cleaning and do not experience discomfort when in contact with detergents, there is no reason to give up habits.

How to stay safe when cleaning

If you have any doubts about whether pregnant women can clean the bath with detergents, ask your doctor.
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