Pregnancy is a unique and precious time. But it is also a period where vigilance is essential, with new habits to adopt to preserve the life that is blossoming within us.
The threats are numerous, but here we'll talk about endocrine disruptors ; these invisible enemies capable of influencing our hormonal balance. They are present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, the furniture we touch, the cosmetics we use… from the very beginning of pregnancy, they must be tracked, eliminated, and kept out of our daily lives as much as possible because they can significantly disrupt the development of the unborn baby.
So, how can we reduce exposure to these substances while still taking care of ourselves and fully enjoying motherhood? Let's explore together the best practices to protect mother and child, with complete peace of mind.
Why are endocrine disruptors dangerous during pregnancy?
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to known endocrine disruptors. These substances can cross the placental barrier and accumulate in umbilical cord blood or amniotic fluid from the very beginning of pregnancy. While the placenta filters some of these substances, it doesn't block everything and can even trap certain compounds, such as bisphenol A.
These molecules mimic or block the action of hormones, disrupt their binding to receptors, or alter hormone production, transport, and elimination. The still-immature fetal liver cannot neutralize these intruders. The effects of endocrine disruptors can be numerous: neurological developmental disorders, obesity, diabetes, hormone-dependent cancers, endocrine disorders, and more.
Research conducted by ANSES in France confirms the role of certain persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, pesticides, PFAS) and chemical compounds such as phthalates and bisphenol. These substances, sometimes considered endocrine disruptors, persist in our bodies for months, even years, with consequences that can affect several generations.
The main sources of exposure to avoid
The endocrine disruptors are hidden in very common products, sometimes even those associated with gentleness and care:
- Endocrine-disrupting cosmetics: preservatives (parabens), chemical sunscreens (benzophenone), fragrance agents
- Plastics: containing bisphenol A or phthalates, present in packaging and accessories
- Household products: some detergents contain harmful chemical compounds.
- Food: pesticides and organic pollutants in fruits, vegetables and processed products
These substances are absorbed through the mouth, respiratory system and skin.
As a pregnant woman, learning to avoid endocrine disruptors is a conscious choice for yourself and your child, reducing your exposure and better preventing the harmful effects of endocrine disruptors on fetal development. Choosing simple and natural alternatives becomes a protective and committed act, for a peaceful pregnancy.
What precautions should be taken during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, simplicity is key. To limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors, choose organic foods, peel fruits and vegetables, and soak them in water with added baking soda. Avoid processed foods: cooking from scratch remains the best option.
To take concrete action, it's helpful to understand how these substances enter our bodies. Food, skin, respiration… each entry point requires specific responses.
Here are the main protective measures to adopt on a daily basis:
- For oral consumption : use glass or stainless steel containers to store and reheat your meals. Avoid plastics, especially in the microwave. Filter water if possible to reduce chemical residues.
- For topical use : carefully read labels and decipher the INCI list of products to make better choices. Opt for natural skincare products formulated with safe ingredients, especially for stretch mark creams, serums, and massage oils . Choose those with a short ingredient list that avoids complicated or vague terms like "parfum" (fragrance).
- By inhalation : ventilate your home twice a day to limit persistent organic pollutants. Remove air fresheners, synthetic and scented candles, and replace them with our natural home fragrances and candles , free of any toxic products. This vigilance also applies to everyday body perfumes, which can also contain problematic substances, including endocrine disruptors found in conventional perfumes , such as certain phthalates or synthetic musks, still common in these formulations. Avoid painting before, during, and for a period after pregnancy to protect your child from the chemical compounds released by the paint. If you absolutely must paint, choose a natural paint and look for labels to confirm your choice. You can also consider using an air purifier.
Regulations and vigilance in France
In France, the national strategy on endocrine disruptors aims to reduce the exposure of pregnant women by limiting certain compounds in food containers, toys, and baby products. The ban on bisphenol A in baby bottles and on certain phthalates in toys represents significant progress. However, many chemical substances remain present in our daily lives, particularly in some cosmetics, textiles, and packaging. Regulations concerning endocrine disruptors are improving, but they are not yet sufficient.
Individual vigilance therefore remains essential to avoid the effects of endocrine disruptors and to protect the health of women and future generations.
Protecting your baby after birth
Endocrine disruptors are harmful at any age, but they are particularly harmful during periods of development, and the infant is still only at the beginning of its development at birth, its hormonal system being under construction.
After childbirth:
- Choose products free from controversial chemicals, whether it's baby care, laundry detergents or cleaning products.
- Wash new clothes at least once before using them to remove dye and textile finish residues.
- Maintain healthy air quality by limiting synthetic fragrances, ventilating twice a day, and avoiding scented candles or sprays. If possible, use an air purifier.
- Opt for toys free of phthalates and bisphenol A, which are often found in plastics.
Choosing products free of endocrine disruptors is a conscious decision that connects health, well-being, and the environment. When every action reflects your values, motherhood becomes a journey of love for yourself, your baby, and the Earth.
Aimée de Mars accompanies you with creations that respect life, far from suspected endocrine disruptors, organic pollutants and superfluous ingredients.
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