Pregnancy Lifestyle Factors

While diet is certainly a major concern during pregnancy, many women worry about environmental risks as well. From computers and microwave ovens to hair dye and nail polish, myth and fact are often intertwined.

To help set the record straight on these factors, Davis and Bernstein, along with obstetrician Pamela Berens, MD, from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, and experts from the March of Dimes offer these words of advice.

• Microwave Ovens. "No good science shows microwaves harm the fetus," says Berens.
• Computers. "The radiation is miniscule, particularly now with the use of LCD screens and no exposure to the cathode ray tube monitors of the past," says Bernstein. That said, he cautions against long hours on keyboards during pregnancy. "It can increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful wrist-related injury."
• Air Travel. The concern is exposure to radiation that may occur via X-rays at some security checkpoints, and due to flying at high altitudes. But Bernstein says the amount of exposure is small. Additionally, there is no evidence that the change in air pressure found in plane cabins can cause a miscarriage or premature labor. However, if your flight is longer than one hour, be certain to get up and walk around several times during your flight. Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots in the legs, and so does sitting for a long period of time.
• Cats. The major threat is a parasite known as toxoplasma, which you can contract from exposure to feline fecal matter. The way to avoid it, says Berens, is simply to avoid changing your cat's litter box during pregnancy. She adds that most people who have cats have already been exposed, so they likely have the antibodies against it. To be sure, however, you can ask your doctor for a blood test. Since toxoplasma can also be found in soil, raw/undercooked meat, and unwashed produce, you can prevent infection by cooking food thoroughly, washing produce thoroughly, and wearing gloves when gardening.
• Hair Dye. It's an old myth that's hard to kill, mostly because doctors themselves frequently err on the side of caution by recommending women don't dye or color their hair during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, when critical development changes are occurring in the baby. And while there fails to be any definitive research showing direct links between hair coloring and fetal health (ditto for hair straightening chemicals or permanent waves), a newer animal study published in 2006 in the journal Biotechnology & Biotechnology Equipment showed an increased risk of cataracts, affecting vision, in the offspring of female rats who had dye components injected under the skin during pregnancy.
• Nail Polish. The chemicals of concern here fall under the heading of "phthalates" and can be found not only in some nail polishes, but also hairsprays, deodorants, and other personal care items, as well as many room deodorizers. Though there is no conclusive evidence they cause problems, many studies have shown evidence that phthalates are endocrine disrupters -- chemicals that may have an impact on gender hormones. In one small study conducted at the University of Rochester in 2005, researchers found the greater the exposure of mothers to phthalates during pregnancy (determined by urine samples), the greater the risk of genital-related abnormalities in their sons.
• Skin Care. The primary concerns in this category continue to be the acne medication Accutane, an oral retinoid prescription drug. Because studies show it has been linked to birth defects, an FDA regulation known as "iPledge" requires women of childbearing age to commit to using contraceptives before receiving a prescription.
• Smoking. It is not only bad for your health, it is bad for your baby as well. According to the March of Dimes, smoking doubles the chances of having a low-birth-weight baby, as well as increasing the risk of premature birth. Premature and low-birth-weight babies face an increased risk of serious health problems during the newborn period, as well as chronic lifelong disabilities including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning disabilities.