Healthy Baby Begins with Healthy Parents

Reducing the risk of birth defects, developmental problems, cancer, and other diseases for the newborn begins with the health of the parents. Even before conception.

During pregnancy, exposure to air pollution and occupational exposure to toxins can increase health risks for a developing fetus. Even before conception, the health of the parents can impact the health of the child. Exposure to certain toxic chemicals for either parent may result in DNA damage causing increased health risk to the child.

Taking care of your health can help minimize DNA damage from toxins in the environment and prepare the way for the birth of a healthy baby.

Eat organically grown foods when you have a choice. Avoid the use of pesticides, solvents, and other toxic substances in your home and garden. Avoid freeways and even being in cars as much as possible, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. Check the labels of personal care products such as soaps, lotions, and shampoos to make sure you aren’t using toxic chemicals on your body.

Take action to make the planet a healthier place to live. Contact your national, state and local representatives and ask them to become knowledgeable about the health risks of polluting the environment, and to take leadership in protecting the health of all citizens.