Environmental Chemical Risks Loom Large for Pregnant Women

A recent report has warned pregnant women of exposure to environmental chemicals right from mercury to pesticides, which could be harmful to their reproductive health.

The report has pressed doctors to ensure stricter policies that can recognize and restrict the exposure to chemicals that are dangerous. Mothers-to-be must be educated about these risks and ways to avoid it.

"What we're trying to get is the balance between awareness and alarmist," said Dr. Jeanne Conry, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

According to the report, every pregnant woman is exposed to nearly 43 different chemicals and even though it is not very clear how many of them can actually reach the fetus, at least few of them can make their way.

Prenatal exposure to some pesticides can elevate the risk of childhood cancer. Mercury pollution causes accumulation of this chemical in certain fish, and when eaten by a mother-to-be, can damage her unborn baby's developing brain.

Pregnant women must be aware of these risks so that they are in a better position to restrict their exposure to the presence of harmful pollutants in the environment.



Source: Medindia