What cleaning products are safe for pregnancy

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.

Do you use natural cleaning products?

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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7 Pregnancy-Safe Cleaning Products to Use in Your Home

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Home > Small Changes > Living

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Pregnancy doesn't stop household chores from being done. But, expecting mothers may be hesitant to reach for a bottle of bleach or detergent when cleaning around the house.

"Potentially toxic substances that get into your blood circulation by swallowing, inhalation, or absorption from the skin may cross this fine placental barrier to the fetus,” Ronald M. Caplan, M.D. told What to Expect — therefore, many expectant moms may be on the hunt for pregnancy-safe cleaning products that are non-toxic.

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Whether you're scrubbing the bathroom, washing dishes, or doing laundry, Green Matters has rounded up a list of our favorite green products that will leave both you (and your baby) feeling happy and healthy. Check out our list below.

Here are 7 pregnancy-safe cleaning products to use in your home:

While most cleaning products are generally safe to use while pregnant, some may contain harmful chemicals that could be hazardous to the health of you and your baby. Instead, here are our favorite alternative products that you can feel safe using while pregnant.

1. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Source: Getty Images

Sometimes, a good-old DIY project is the best when it comes to using non-toxic and eco-friendly products. If you're looking for a simple cleaning solution, grab a 32-ounce glass spray bottle and mix 2 cups of distilled water, 2 cups of white distilled vinegar, and 30 drops of your favorite essential oils.

(Recipe courtesy of Guided Heart Doula).

2. GreenShield Organic Multi-Surface Wipes in Fresh Mint

Fight germs and tough grease stains with GreenShield Organic Surface Wipes. These wipes are non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, and cruelty-free. Therefore, you can have peace of mind knowing that those hard-to-clean surfaces can be wiped up without using strong chemicals.

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3. Branch Basics Cleaners

Source: Branch Basics

This company was founded by three women who have made it their mission to help people replace the harsh chemicals inside of their homes with plant and mineral-based ingredients.

We recommend the Glass Cleaning Essentials Kit, which includes a bathroom, all-purpose, and "streak-free" glass cleaner that is "gentle enough to use on skin yet strong enough to tackle dirt and grime."

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4. Koala Eco Natural Floor Cleaner

Source: Koala Eco

Are you searching for a pregnancy-safe product to clean your hardwood floors? Koala Eco cleaner is natural and non-toxic and made without dyes, synthetic perfumes, chlorine, bleach, sodium laurel sulfates, and phosphates.

Plus, it's scented with fresh aromas of mandarin and peppermint — yum.

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5. Dropps Laundry Detergent

Source: Dropps

Free from harmful chemicals, Dropps Laundry detergent helps fight tough stains and odors using natural enzymes and plant-based ingredients. Dropps also aims to reduce single-use plastic and offset their environmental impact through the purchase of carbon offsets with each consumer purchase.

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6. Attitude All-Purpose Cleaner

Source: Attitude

Attitude's All-Purpose Cleaner is made using plant and mineral-based ingredients like saponin, which is a natural cleaning agent. This multi-purpose sustainable and biodegradable product will help remove scum, mold, and dust.

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7. Biom All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes

Source: Biom

Biom's cleaning wipes work great on every surface. This 100 percent plant-based and biodegradable product is safe to use on skin and on surfaces.

And in addition to providing refillable dispensers, Biom has committed to stopping 45.5 tons of plastic from entering the ocean in a partnership with Plastic Bank.

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

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. nine0005

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. nine0005