Many women wonder whether using cleaning products while pregnant is safe. It’s natural to be cautious about the products you use and their potential impact on you or your unborn baby! While most are safe to use, there are some you may want to avoid completely.
When you’re pregnant, you may find certain smells or odors offensive even if the products are completely safe to use. If this is the case either choose another product, wear a protective mask or make sure the area is well-ventilated so the odor isn’t as strong.
Cleaning while pregnant – products or ingredients to avoid
- Oven cleaners
- Cleaning products containing glycol ethers which are typically listed as methoxydiglycol (DEGME) or 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) have been connected to birth defects and miscarriage
- Phthalates, which are most often related to fragrance although the product may indicate it contains fragrance without specifically mentioning phthalates, which may raise the risk in males for congenital reproductive anomalies
- Air fresheners and spray or aerosol cleaners containing phthalates, chlorine, terpenes, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, and glycol or glycol-ethylene
Spray and aerosol cleaners are considered more dangerous due to the fact they’re more easily inhaled; air fresheners are another concern you may want to know more about. Most of the ingredients listed above are considered safe to use if they are not in spray or aerosol form. Most professionals agree that oven cleaner is one of the most dangerous cleaning products for women who are expecting.
The fact is when cleaning while pregnant most products are completely safe to use according to WebMD, as long as you use them in an area that is well-ventilated. Open up the windows, prop the doors open and you shouldn’t have any problems. However, if it gives you peace of mind to avoid chemicals altogether, there are many natural products you can use to clean nearly anything in your home including vinegar, lemon juice, borax, and baking soda.
What about bending over or trying to reach high places when cleaning your home?
While bending over briefly isn’t usually a problem, you shouldn’t stay in this position for prolonged periods. It’s never advisable to climb or stand on a ladder, either, as your growing girth can impact your center of gravity. If you must reach something that’s a little high, consider a step stool or have your partner, husband or someone else take care of the task for you. When you need to clean around baseboards or a low area, consider using a cleaning or dusting tool with an extended handle on it such as a Swiffer. Better to be safe than put yourself or your baby at risk!
Now you can feel secure in welcoming your new baby into a clean, fresh home!
If you’re in the process of designing the baby’s nursery, you may be interested in creating a nook where your child will enjoy reading and learning for years to come!
The information above is for guidance only, and not the opinion of professionals in the medical field. Women who are pregnant should always consult with their family doctor or OB/GYN to determine which products are safe to use during pregnancy.
If you have enjoyed these cleaning tips and want more, count on Molly Maid for all things housekeeping related!
