Some infections can increase your Chance of miscarriage, but most common infections, such as influenza and the common cold, do not. Chicken pox (varicella) and rubella are potential problems if contracted around conception or during pregnancy. If you are unsure whether you have had either of these infections, ask your doctor to check if you are immune. If necessary you can get vaccinated before conceiving. Rubella vaccine should not be given if you are already pregnant or trying to conceive. Most women over 35 are already immune to parvovirus and toxoplasmosis. No vaccination is available and testing prior to pregnancy is not recommended. While trying to conceive (and during pregnancy) you can reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis by having your partner clean the litter box and by washing your hands carefully after handling raw meat.

What's Safe And What's Not

Are pesticides a risk to my unborn baby?

Few studies have systematically studied the relationship between fertility and pesticide exposure at home. However it probably makes sense to purchase organically grown produce and carefully wash all fruits and vegetables while you are trying to become pregnant. Limit the use of pesticides and herbicides that you handle in your garden or backyard.

Is passive smoking dangerous to my baby?

While secondhand smoke is a health hazard to you over time the effects of occasional secondhand smoke on your fertility and pregnancy are likely to be fairly small. It makes sense to avoid enclosed areas with intense levels of secondhand smoke, such as bars and clubs and to discourage others from smoking in your home. In addition strong smells like that of smoke may worsen the symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

What about the risk of mercury poisoning?

Higher mercury levels have been linked with decreased fertility and can also cause problems in the developing baby. Much of our mercury in take comes from eating certain fish. Limit your self to two 6-oz servings of fish such as shrimp, tuna, salmon, and catfish (which have low mercury levels). Do not eat swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish or shark because they contain high levels of mercury. If you are preparing locally caught fish, check with your local health department to make sure it is not high in mercury. Mercury can stay in your system for a long time so be careful with your fish in take 6 months before becoming pregnant.

Should i avoid microwaves and computers?

No studies so far have found a convincing link to either low fertility rates or miscarriage. The amount of radiation released by these devices is very small less than many natural sources, like solar radiation. Microwaves can not penetrate your skin more than a fraction of an inch.

Is it safe to use hair dye?

Very little hair dye is absorbed through your skin when you color your hair and should pose no risk to your fertility.

What other chemicals should be avoided?

Strong smelling chemicals such as paints, solvents and cleaning products are best avoided while you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you can not avoid strong smelling chemicals make sure you wear gloves a mask and protective clothing. Always work in a ventilated area.