Environmental risk factors

After the nuclear distaste at Chernobyl in 1986, radiation took a toll on people’s DNA and the cases of Down’s syndrome and leukemia increased in Germany and Sweden. Studies have also shown that exposure to radiation can affect a baby’s neural development, especially during the first and second trimester. It can also cause problems in the bones, retina, growth, etc.

Heavy metals such as mercury and lead can also be toxic and cause delayed growth or neural deficits. Mercury is found in most seafood and goes into the placenta if ingested. To avoid hazardous elements in your food it is very important to mindful of your diet and activities during pregnancy. Lead is in a lot of objects like pigments, cables, and even toys.

Plastic can also harm your baby’s lungs, kidneys, testicles, and liver. The most dangerous and possibly carcinogenic plastics are: #3 (PVC) used to soften plastic, #6 (PS) used on trays, coverings, insulation or other construction products, and #7 (BPA) usually used in baby and sport’s bottles.

Finally, pesticides can also alter your baby’s development. Every year over 2,000 chemicals is introduced without proper laboratory testing. It’s believed that these chemicals affect the development of several species, including ours. If you’re pregnant, it’s better to be safe than sorry and steer clear from farming fields.