Household Chemicals (Cleaners, Paint, etc.)

Should I avoid them? Some — yes; others — no. While chemicals like ammonia and chlorine may make you nauseated because of the smell, they're not toxic, says the March of Dimes. But others, such as some paints, paint thinners, oven cleaners, varnish removers, air fresheners, aerosols, carpet cleaners, etc., may be.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? It depends on the product. Some household chemicals may have no effect, while others in high doses could potentially be harmful.

What can I do about it? Here a few tips to help keep household chemicals in perspective during your pregnancy:

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have with chemicals you use at home or at work.
Look at product labels before using any product. If it's unsafe to use during pregnancy, the label should say that it's toxic. Find out not only if it's safe for you to use, but if it's safe for you to be around when being used by someone else. If the label doesn't specify, contact the manufacturer.
Open windows and doors, and use rubber gloves and a mask when cleaning with or using any chemical.
Wash your hands and arms, even if you wore gloves, after using any chemical.
Opt for natural products like baking soda, borax, and vinegar for cleaning.
Have someone else paint the baby's nursery, as much you'd probably like to do it yourself. And definitely don't help with the removal of paint if your home was built before 1978 as it may contain lead-based paint. Although many paints today are considered safer than those of the past, it's still a good idea to let someone else handle painting. You can always take over the decorating duties after the paint dries!