Can I clean while pregnant?

Whether this is your first time pregnant or you’re expecting the 5th addition to your family, one question you may have during your pregnancy is whether or not you can clean while pregnant?

In answering this question, keep in mind the basic principal of safe pregnancy – anything you come into contact with your baby is potentially exposed to it as well. Your child’s development (especially during Trimesters One & Two) is crucial, extremely sensitive, and no two women’s pregnancies are the same.

In general, it is safe to clean with GREEN, NATURAL cleaners
With lots of cleaners these days claiming to be green & natural, the most important feature to look for is a NON-TOXIC cleaner. Take a quick look at the ingredients list on the label and if there is anything you wouldn’t feel safe exposing your baby to, ask for someone’s assistance on that task. Two chemicals that most doctors agree will NOT cause harm to either your or your child are ammonia and chlorine.

Wear elbow-length gloves and a breathing mask while cleaning
The gloves will protect your body from anything that could potentially get into your skin in the area that will most likely have the most exposure to the products while cleaning. The breathing mask (the ones worn by painters and in hospitals) will help filter the air.

If you decide to hire a cleaning company, make sure they are using GREEN, NATURAL cleaners as well
Just because someone else is doing the physical work for you, doesn’t mean you can’t still be exposed to the harsh fumes and residues left behind long after the cleaners have left. Make sure all of the window cleaners, carpet cleaners, disinfectants, aerosols, & air fresheners the company uses are non-toxic and free of harsh chemicals. For a listing of green cleaners, visit the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association’s Directory of Green Cleaning Services.

Please remember, these are recommendations for the average pregnancy, but you should always speak with your doctor about conditions relating to you specifically. For a listing eco-friendly cleaners, please visit the Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products section of CleaningProductsWorld.com.