Drinking bleach while pregnant

Cops: Student put bleach in pregnant girlfriend's water because he didn't want baby

Crime

October 31, 2016 / 3:23 PM / AP

MILLERSVILLE, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania college student accused of putting bleach in his pregnant girlfriend’s water in an attempt to harm her fetus has been charged with attempted murder, authorities said.

Theophilous Washington, 20, of Washington, D.C., a junior at Millersville University, is charged in Lancaster County with criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder of an unborn child as well as reckless endangering.

“The charges are twisted and the intended result nothing short of horrifying,” District Attorney Craig Stedman said in a statement Friday.

The district attorney’s office said the two were together Thursday night into Friday morning, and the woman was leaving when Washington suggested that she drink some water from the refrigerator.

She did so, but after returning to her on-campus room felt a burning sensation in her throat, vomited and called 911.

Prosecutors said police interviewed Washington he allegedly acknowledged having put bleach in a water bottle.

“Washington, the father of the child, admitted to putting bleach in the water bottle,” prosecutors said. “He had stated previously that he did not want the female to have the child.”

A doctor examined the woman and said both she and her approximately 2-month-old fetus appeared unharmed, the district attorney’s office said.

Brian Hazlett, Millersville’s vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, called it “a horrible, unconscionable event.”

“It is very disturbing to me personally because I consider our students to be our family,” Hazlett said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and we’re doing everything we can to make sure she is OK.”

Washington remains in custody on $1 million bail pending a Nov. 4 preliminary hearing; court documents don’t list a defense attorney who could respond to the charges and a listed phone number for him couldn’t be found Saturday.

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First published on October 31, 2016 / 3:23 PM

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Drinking Tap Water Disinfected With Chlorine May Harm Fetus, Study Suggests -- ScienceDaily

Science News

from research organizations

Date:: June 5, 2008
Source:: BioMed Central/Environmental Health
Summary:: Drinking water disinfected by chlorine while pregnant may increase the risk of having children with heart problems, cleft palate or major brain defects, according to a new study.
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Drinking water disinfected by chlorine while pregnant may increase the risk of having children with heart problems, cleft palate or major brain defects, according to a study published in BioMed Central's open access journal Environmental Health.

This finding, based on an analysis of nearly 400,000 infants in Taiwan, is the first that links by-products of water chlorination to three specific birth defects.

Water chlorination is a widely used and efficient method to disinfect drinking water and reduce the occurrence of waterborne diseases. However, numerous studies have revealed the presence of many chlorination by-products in the water. Recent research suggests that prenatal exposure to these by-products may increase the risk of birth defects.

A research team led by Jouni Jaakkola from the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Birmingham, UK, gathered data on almost 400,000 infants born in Taiwan. The researchers used statistical analyses to see if drinking tap water containing high, medium or low levels of chlorination by-products increased the risk of 11 common birth defects.

Although the researchers found no direct link between the prevalence of any birth defect and the level of exposure, their calculations revealed that exposure to high levels of by-products substantially increased the risk of three common defects: ventricular septal defects (holes in the heart), cleft palate, and anencephalus (where neural development fails, resulting in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp).

Exposure to total trihalomethanes above 20 ìg/L was associated with an increased risk of 50 to 100% compared with levels below 5 ìg/L. These results were corroborated by additional analyses, using pooled data from a number of similar studies.

"The biological mechanism for how these disinfection by-products may cause defects are still unknown," says Jaakkola. "However, our findings don't just add to the evidence that water chlorination may cause birth defects, but suggest that exposure to chlorination by-products may be responsible some specific and common defects. Whilst the benefits of water chlorination are quite evident, more research needs to be carried out to determine these side-effects."

Story Source:

Materials provided by BioMed Central/Environmental Health. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Bing-Fang Hwang, Jouni JK Jaakkola and How-Ran Guo. Water disinfection by-products and the risk of specific birth defects: A population-based cross-sectional study in Taiwan. Environmental Health, 2 June 2008

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BioMed Central/Environmental Health. "Drinking Tap Water Disinfected With Chlorine May Harm Fetus, Study Suggests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 June 2008. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602103343. htm>.

BioMed Central/Environmental Health. (2008, June 5). Drinking Tap Water Disinfected With Chlorine May Harm Fetus, Study Suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 8, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602103343.htm

BioMed Central/Environmental Health. "Drinking Tap Water Disinfected With Chlorine May Harm Fetus, Study Suggests." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080602103343.htm (accessed January 8, 2023).

8 Things About Household Cleaning During Pregnancy.com

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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; nine0005
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; nine0005
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; nine0005
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; nine0005
- 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. nine0005
- 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. nine0005
- 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. nine0005

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. nine0005

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. nine0005

To have a healthy baby or family planning

Under the term “family planning” most people mean only contraception, and only a small part thinks about how to prepare in advance specifically for conceiving and bearing an unborn child.

Not far off are the days when a gynecologist only stated the fact of an already accomplished pregnancy, and in due time the pregnant woman was sent to the nearest maternity hospital, where she turned into a woman in labor. In general, few people remembered her husband, as if he did not exist, and even more so about grandparents. Although it is no secret to anyone that the health of a child directly depends on the health of both parents, and congenital pathologies can be inherited even after several generations. And here is the result: as statistics show, fewer newborns can be called absolutely healthy, more and more children are referred to the so-called risk group. nine0005

Why is it necessary to plan a pregnancy at all? The fact is that modern man has gone far from the natural conditions of life predetermined by nature. We experience increased psycho-emotional stress, and, on the contrary, we reduce physical activity. We invigorate ourselves with caffeine, and relieve stress with strong drinks. We eat poorly, sleep poorly and breathe polluted air. Our poor organism, accustomed to everything, may be able to cope with this, but all these factors have a clearly negative effect on the germ cells. Hence the problems not only with the birth of a healthy child, but sometimes with the very possibility of a baby in the family. nine0005

In modern medicine, there is the concept of “preconception prophylaxis”. This term combines a whole system of activities, the purpose of which is to create the best conditions for the formation of high-quality germ cells and the development of the embryo. Usually such events begin 3-4 months before the planned pregnancy, or even earlier. But, often, spouses simply do not know about the existence of such a program, and if they do, then most often they have no one to turn to for advice. If you discuss the prospect of replenishing the family with your doctor, then he will not only provide the most complete complex, but also take into account your individual characteristics, which will accordingly increase the effect obtained. The doctor will objectively assess the health of both spouses. He will help determine the most favorable period for conceiving children, give recommendations on lifestyle, hygiene, nutrition, the regimen of future parents, and pay special attention to the health of the expectant mother. nine0005

There is no doubt that the intrauterine period of a child's development is the most responsible, and both the expectant mother herself and all her relatives understand this, protecting her from all sorts of stresses and showing care. But the course of pregnancy is fraught with various complications, which can also affect the development of the fetus. Therefore, the general background against which the unborn child will develop inside your body is so important. And if you take care in advance to improve it, you can make the course of pregnancy more favorable. nine0005

Why do you need preventive measures if everything looks fine and your desire to have a child is firm and conscious? Agree that the carriage of any viruses and microbes should be excluded. But infections are hidden, and it takes time to identify them (or make sure they are absent) and, if necessary, cure. Chronic diseases are also imperceptible and almost asymptomatic, and during pregnancy they can become aggravated.

Everyone knows that there are serious hereditary diseases that can manifest themselves in the third or fourth generation, but many hope that this cup will pass them by. But the danger still remains, and therefore, at the slightest suspicion of the presence of hereditary diseases, the doctor will recommend that you conduct a genetic study. Modern medical technologies even make it possible to carry out genetic diagnostics of the embryo itself at the initial stage of its development, without damaging it at all. nine0005

When the influence of negative factors is eliminated or at least mitigated, the time comes for direct preparation for conception and childbearing. In essence, the doctor develops for you an individual program for future pregnancy, including professional recommendations from various specialists: a general practitioner, dentist, ENT doctor, endocrinologist, and, if necessary, other specialties. World medical practice shows that preconception prophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of birth defects and intrauterine infections in the fetus. But a lot, of course, depends on you and your husband, on your sincere desire to give birth to a healthy baby. nine0005

What way of life should you choose and what should you limit yourself to if your immediate plans include a new family?

We can list the most common rules for planning your future pregnancy, your intuition and your doctor will tell you the rest. Together with your husband, go through a thorough examination, passing all possible tests. The doctor will advise which specialists to go to without fail.

A visit to the dentist is included in the "mandatory program" - after all, during pregnancy, a large proportion of calcium is spent on building the skeletal system of the fetus. nine0020
If you or your husband have chronic diseases, take preventive treatment in accordance with the recommendations of your doctor, as well as general strengthening therapy.
Pay special attention to the detection of hidden infections of the urogenital area, if they are found, undergo treatment and repeat the examination.
Not later than 3 months before the planned conception, it is useful to activate vaccinations, additionally do tetanus toxoid, vaccination against rubella, measles, influenza, etc. nine0020
Together with your husband, pay attention to the nutrition system, it is not necessary to switch to a special diet, but it is advisable to limit spices, pickles, smoked and canned food, and increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, cereals and dairy products.
Even with good nutrition, additional intake of vitamins and mineral salts is a must! Buy special vitamins for pregnant women with a high content of folic acid in a pharmacy and start taking them 3-6 months before the planned conception. nine0020
Create a calm, welcoming atmosphere in your home in advance. Eliminate stress and mental stress. Try to remain calm in any situation! The formula is simple: "All these are trifles compared to the main thing - our future baby. "
And physical activity, on the contrary, increase: continue to do shaping, aerobics and any sports that you did before, paying special attention to exercises for the muscles of the abdomen, abs, hips and chest. Try to be in nature more often, but do not abuse the tan. Do not overcool or overheat. nine0020

About voluntary prohibitions and restrictions. Alcohol, cigarettes and coffee - eliminate or limit to a minimum. And to both spouses. Be very careful with medicines, especially antibiotics and tranquilizers. Avoid active chemicals, especially volatile ones: try not to use bleach, air fresheners, insect sprays in your home. Hygiene requirements: switch to baby soaps or neutral shampoos, prefer showers to baths, avoid very hot baths. Limit the use of bioactive cosmetics, give up hair dyes with oxidizing agents, deodorants and rich perfumes. nine0005

All of these recommendations are valid during pregnancy, but it is not necessary to memorize them. If you tune in with your whole being to your internal state, the body itself will tell you what is good for you and the baby and what is harmful.

The main question is when? So, the first and main condition is just a favorable period of time in all respects. The second thing to consider is the best time for the birth of your child: let it be, if not summer, then at least a bright and warm season. Some experts do not recommend conception during the transitional seasons of the year, believing that during such periods the body's defenses are weakened and the risk of congenital pathologies increases. nine0005

It is believed that it is necessary to give up hormonal contraceptives three months before the planned conception and switch to other methods of preventing pregnancy. Perhaps this is true for those women who have used birth control pills for several years without a break. But there is a directly opposite opinion: conception immediately after stopping the pills is completely safe, moreover, stopping the intake itself can provoke pregnancy, which often happens in practice. So do not be discouraged if the three-month break could not be sustained! nine0005

Since the normal probability of pregnancy in any given month is 20 to 25 percent, you may have to be on standby number one for two or three months in a row. But one should not focus too much on one desired goal, otherwise there may be difficulties with the occurrence of pregnancy in general. So do not forget about relaxation, relaxation, communication with friends and your favorite work. And only if pregnancy does not occur for a whole year without the use of contraceptives, this may be a signal that not everything is in order with reproductive function. nine0005

If pregnancy occurs. In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a woman needs to be registered with a antenatal clinic. The doctor will monitor the development of the child, teach you how to eat right. The expectant mother should know all the details of the course of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. It is necessary to visit a pediatrician in a children's clinic, where she will be taught how to care for a baby, prevent hypogalactia, anemia, and will be introduced to the elements of hardening. Remember that it is impossible to do fluorographic and x-ray studies during pregnancy, they must be completed 3-6 months before conception. nine0005

During pregnancy, the husband and relatives should help the woman to keep calm, avoid physical and mental stress, bad habits. Let her not have a reason to worry, help her around the house, take care of the rest.

The expectant mother should walk more in the fresh air, eat rationally, limit the intake of fatty and high-calorie foods and include more juices, vegetables, and fruits in the diet. In no case should you take any medication without a doctor's prescription. You need to take care of yourself and avoid colds as much as possible. nine0005

A pregnant woman should know that she is exempt from night shifts, overtime work, business trips, and work in hazardous conditions. She can not lift weights, contact with pesticides. Always remember that the mind, character, habits of the unborn child are formed during pregnancy. From the moment of conception, talk to him, listen to good music, avoid quarrels.