Taking care of baby during the first trimester

by Nancy J Price, Abbi Perets and Betsy Gartrell-Judd


During the first trimester, your baby is at its peak of susceptibility to serious or life-threatening birth defects. The first few weeks after conception are, in fact, called the "sensitive period." Your baby is forming all of his systems now - everything from his brain and nervous system, to his heart and lungs, to his yes and ears. Much of this probably began even before you realized you were pregnant!

While these vital systems, along with structures like arms and legs, are developing, the embryo is as vulnerable to illness (such as Rubella), substances (such as drugs and alcohol), and environmental factors (such as radiation and pollution) as it will ever be. For obvious reasons, your goal should be to avoid as many teratogens (substances that can cause birth defects) as possible during your pregnancy. That said, most caregivers agree that occasional exposure to environmental toxins, including many of those listed below, are unlikely to have an impact on your baby. Some say that most birth defects are caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. So don't freak out if you smell paint or have to get an emergency filling. Some of the most important things you should avoid are also those under your control: don't drink, don't smoke, and don't take any drugs or medications except under the supervision of your caregiver.

Here are a few things that you should try to avoid during pregnancy - most especially during the sensitive period:

• Fumes and dust from construction (including home renovations)
• Paint fumes (from painting or being in a room with new paintwork)
• Fumes from newly laid carpets and some new furniture
• Household cleaners containing solvents (including toilet bowl deodorizers, air fresheners, some disinfectants)
• Pesticides, including those used in the garden, in the home, and on pets
• Cat litter boxes (to avoid toxoplasmosis infection)
• Drycleaning chemicals/fumes
• Anesthetics, including those used during dental work
• Gasoline and exhaust fumes
• Medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and "recreational")
• Alcohol
• Tobacco products (and secondhand smoke)
  

Avoiding some of these hazards really isn't hard. For example, here are three easy ways you can avoid exposing your baby to some everyday toxins:

Go for a natural clean. Instead of smelly solvent-based cleansers, try using inexpensive household cleaners like vinegar, borax, baking soda, and salt.

Gassing up. Don't pump your own gas. Either get full-serve or have someone else fill up your tank.

Headaches. Try alternating hot and cold compresses as well as massage - and be sure you're drinking lots of fluids before taking the over-the-counter remedy recommended by your caregiver. (This won't be aspirin, which you should not take during pregnancy!)

You need to watch out for a couple other things: radiation and heat. For most people, avoiding radiation means declining x-rays (including dental x-rays) if at all possible. As for heat, avoid raising your body temperature during pregnancy. This means skipping hot baths and soaks in the hot tub, as well as staying out of the sun and the sauna. If you use an electric blanket on your bed, use it only to warm the bed, and shut it off when you get in. Wear lightweight clothing, drink fluids before, during, and after exercise - and don't overdo. If you have a fever, talk to your caregiver about how (and if) to treat it.

Here's to a healthy pregnancy and baby!

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Learn more about pregnancy health at ePregnancy.com.

About the authors: Abbi, Betsy and Nancy are moms and the co-authors of The ePregnancy Guide to the First Trimester, from which this is excerpted. You can instantly download this book and others online at ePregnancyShop.com! copy; Copyright 2001-2 by Nancy J Price, Abbi Perets and Betsy Gartrell-Judd. All rights reserved.

Notice: This information is for educational purposes only, and addresses only non-urgent questions of a general nature. If you are concerned about your health or your baby's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment.