The top 10 toxins & chemicals to avoid while trying to get pregnant

We checked with some of our most trusted experts on mom and baby wellness to craft this simple guide to chemicals, toxins and environmental hazards to steer clear of when you’re trying to get pregnant and when you’re pregnant.

Here are the 10 crucial chemicals to avoid for a safe + healthy pregnancy:

Parabens in cosmetics & beauty products

Dr. Aaliya Yaqub, a doctor who specializes in whole-life wellness, cautions women to pay attention to the chemicals found in makeup, creams and soaps.

Read labels and avoid anything that has the word “paraben” in it. Some examples include:

• Methylparaben
• Proplyparaben
• Isopropylparaben
• Isobutylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Sodium butylparaben

(Note: Most commercial makeup brands use parabens.)

“Try to minimize or eliminate them in the six months leading up to conception and during the conception process,” she says. “They’re a type of preservative that prevents bacteria growth, but they can mimic certain characteristics of estrogen so they can reduce your chances of creating healthy eggs.”Try this instead: “The downside of not using parabens is that the makeup might not last as long, but Honest Beauty is great for this,” Dr. Yaqub says.

Caffeine

Dr. Kimberley A. Thornton, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at RMA of New York, says it can’t hurt to cut back on caffeine.

“There have been many studies on whether or not caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth, and the results have been unclear,” she says. “It does appear that moderate caffeine consumption of less than 200 milligrams per day (approximately one eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee) is safe during pregnancy. If you are consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine per day, it is a good idea to begin cutting down your caffeine intake prior to pregnancy,” she explains. Get down to one cup a day (or less) before you become pregnant.

BPA in plastic containers & cans

Here’s what you can do to avoid BPA, according to the NIH:

• Don’t microwave plastic food containers. Over time they may break down from overuse at high temperatures and release BPA.
• Check the recycle codes on the bottom of plastic containers. Some (but not all) plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with BPA.
• Reduce your use of canned foods.

Try this: When possible, opt for glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food or liquids. Instead of canned beans, buy dry beans and soak them yourself.

Retinoids & retinols in skin care products

“Stay away from retinoids and retinols (often found in anti-aging creams and cosmetic products),” she says. “Retinoids are related to vitamin A and when taken by mouth can cause harm to developing embryos and fetuses.”

To play it safe, it’s good to reduce them from your topical regimen, too.

Try this: Use Glycolic acid and vitamin C products instead.

Tobacco & cigarette smoke

“Smoking is not only bad for your health overall,” Dr. Thornton reminds us, but “the chemicals in cigarette smoke speed up the loss rate of eggs and can affect a woman’s fertility. Women who smoke often go through menopause earlier than nonsmokers. Smoking during pregnancy has also been linked to low-birth-weight babies.”

Need help quitting? SmokeFree.gov has a no-judgment guide to quitting smoking. There’s even a SmokefreeMOM text message service to give you the inspiration and tips you need.

Certain hair dyes

“Vegetable-based hair dyes are okay while TTC or pregnant,” Dr. Yaqub explains, “but avoid others, as they may be absorbed through the scalp.”

Try this: Choose vegetable dyes as well as methods like hair painting and highlighting, which keep chemicals away from your scalp.

Over-the-counter supplements

Try this: Ask your doctor which prenatal vitamin is best for you to make sure you’re getting all key nutrients. Herbivores, be sure to ask which ones are vegan/vegetarian.

Scented perfumes & sprays

“Avoid synthetic fragrances, which can disrupt hormone levels,” Dr. Yaqub says. “Often the ingredients aren’t listed on bottles.” Also keep an eye on home deodorizer sprays, which can contain similar chemicals.

Try this: To play it safe, steer clear of fragrances for now. Pure essential oils are one alternative, but ask your doctor about which ones are safe for you, too.

Acetone-based products

Try this: If you want to paint your nails, use a more natural polish like Zoya or Deborah Lippmann, and remove polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover.

House paint & paint products

Exposure to spray paint, wall and furniture paints, and fabric dyes and paints has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and birth defects—and the risk is especially high in your first trimester. Play it safe and let someone else go to town on your walls.

When considering your skincare routine while trying to conceive, it’s essential to be mindful of the ingredients in your products. Retinoids and retinols, commonly found in anti-aging creams and cosmetic products, should be avoided during this time to ensure the safety of your developing embryo or fetus. These compounds, related to vitamin A, can potentially cause harm if absorbed through the skin. To err on the side of caution, it’s advisable to reduce or eliminate their use from your skincare regimen before conception. Instead, consider alternatives such as glycolic acid and vitamin C products, which can offer benefits without the potential risks associated with retinoids and retinols.

Try this: Hire a professional—or at the very least, use protective gear like gloves and a mask.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to use topical retinol while trying to conceive?

Using topical retinol while trying to conceive is not recommended. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, can potentially cause harm to a developing embryo or fetus if absorbed through the skin. It’s best to avoid retinol-containing products during this time to ensure the safety of the pregnancy.

2. When should I stop using topical retinol before pregnancy?

It’s advisable to stop using topical retinol at least several months before attempting to conceive. This allows time for any residual effects of the retinol to diminish and reduces the risk of exposure to the developing embryo or fetus.

3. How can I replace topical retinol in my skincare routine while trying to conceive?

Instead of using topical retinol, consider alternative skincare products that do not contain retinoids. Look for products with ingredients like glycolic acid and vitamin C, which can offer similar benefits without the potential risks associated with retinol.

4. Are there any other skincare ingredients I should avoid while trying to conceive?

In addition to retinol, it’s also advisable to avoid other potentially harmful skincare ingredients, such as certain chemical sunscreens, hydroquinone, and salicylic acid. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist for personalized advice on skincare during preconception and pregnancy.

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