As my windows desperately need to be fix to prevent water seepage, I decided to google and see if there is a hint if I should proceed. What I found from a medical website is as below and it is also recommended that anything related to paint should not be done in the presence of pregnant lady. So it's NOT a chinese baseless folklore afterall!
More interestingly, I didnt know pregnant mothers should watch out for sun exposure! I always thought moderate amount of Vitamin D is good for health!
Oh crap...What should I do now?
Cancel all the window fixing?
I thought the below information are good to know for those mothers to be.
(Credit source: South Shore Medical Center)
Be Careful with Chemicals
You probably come in contact with chemicals every day at home or work. Some chemicals are known to cause birth defects, but not enough is known about many others. Anything you touch or breathe may get into your bloodstream and reach your baby. So ask someone else to handle any items that may be harmful, including the list below, or at least think carefully before you do so:
- Cleaning: Avoid oven cleaner, aerosol spray cleaners, dry cleaning fluids, spot removers
- Painting: Avoid latex or oil-based paints, varnish, shellac, turpentine, paint strippers
- Lawn or garden: Avoid insecticides, weed killers, fertilizers
- Home renovation: Do not remove paint or do home renovation on any area in your home where lead paint might have been used. Even small repairs of painted surfaces can stir up lead dust.
Always read labels and follow directions and warnings exactly. Wear gloves and carefully wash any skin that touches chemicals. Avoid using paint or other materials that give off fumes, or at least open windows and keep the area well ventilated to keep fumes down. If you have symptoms like a headache or nausea, stop using the item and move to a fume-free area. Before handling any chemical you are unsure of, call your clinician.
Hair Color/Perm
Hair treatments include hair coloring, hair curling (permanents), hair bleaching, and hair straightening (relaxers). The amount of exposure, the timing during pregnancy, and frequency of use may be important factors when thinking about hair treatments in pregnancy. Since many different chemicals are used and manufacturers frequently change formulations, these general guidelines are offered based upon small doses, animal data and limited data in pregnant women.
Hair color and perms are considered to be low risk. Low levels of hair treatment dyes and chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. This minimal amount is not thought to be enough to cause a problem for the baby. If one is to be more conservative, it is recommended that exposure to these chemicals be avoided in the first trimester. Your hairdresser should use the most natural products available and provide a well-ventilated area for you. Because your hair may temporarily change during pregnancy, you should know that you might not achieve the desired result.
If you are a cosmetologist or work in a hair salon you may want to consider limiting the number of chemical processing hair treatments you do per day. Working in a well-ventilated area, wearing protective gloves, taking frequent fresh air breaks, and avoiding eating or drinking in your work space are all important factors that can decrease chemical exposures.
Sun Exposure
Your skin is more sensitive because of the hormones present during pregnancy. Use at least SPF 15 sunscreen during sun exposure. Avoiding UV rays will ensure healthier skin and less chance of skin cancer, hives or worsened chloasma.
There are many different kinds of sunless tanning lotions, creams, and foams that have very good results. Many of the new varieties have minimal odor and provide immediate color. The only concern is whether the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some health care providers encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe. DHA has been used in cosmetics since 1960 and no problems have been reported. Even if you have used sunless tanners before, try a patch of skin first. Your skin may be more sensitive and irritable during pregnancy.
Tanning beds and booths are not recommended.
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