In 1968 French medical researchers identified a collection of abnormalities in children born to alcoholic mothers. These abnormalities came to be known collectively as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The defects associated with FAS are caused when alcohol drunk by the mother crosses the placenta, enters the unborn child’s bloodstream, and interferes with normal biological development.

Most FAS babies have distinct facial features. They usually have small heads, with small eyes, very thin upper lips, low, sunken nasal bridges, and flattened cheekbones. In addition to their distinctive facial features, FAS babies suffer a variety of other physical defects. They generally show growth retardation. They are shorter and lighter in weight, on average, than non-FAS babies. This growth lag tends to persist into childhood. FAS babies often have deformities in their bones and joints and may have certain heart defects. Motor coordination tends to be poor, also. The most devastating problems, however, center on their intellectual development.

The developing brain is especially sensitive to alcohol. Prenatal exposure to alcohol appears to cause faulty arrangement of brain cells. Hence, FAS babies have reduced potential for developing their thinking and reasoning. By the time they reach school age, FAS babies typically show signs of mental retardation. Throughout childhood they will have poor attention spans and impaired learning skills.

In addition to their many intellectual problems, FAS children have a range of behavioral problems. They tend to be restless, irritable, and aggressive. They are likely to have poor impulse control. Because they have difficulty interpreting and responding to social cues, FAS children often have few friends.

Today we know that a mother does not have to be an alcoholic to give birth to a child who shows signs of FAS. A mother’s consistent use of alcohol, even small amounts, throughout pregnancy can produce adverse effects on the unborn child. Occasional binge drinking during pregnancy can also have profound effects.

It is estimated that 1 infant in 750 suffers from FAS. Perhaps another 10 infants suffer from Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). FAE refers to a condition that is somewhat less severe than FAS. The child with FAE does not show all the signs of full-blown FAS, but shares many of the same developmental defects. For example, children with FAE typically have intellectual impairments and behavioral problems that continue throughout childhood and beyond.

How much alcohol can a woman safely consume when she is pregnant? Occasionally a physician will tell a woman that a drink of wine now and then will not hurt her unborn child. However, the fact of the matter is, no one knows for sure how much alcohol is needed to harm the unborn child. The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has stated that “no amount of alcohol has been proven safe to consume during pregnancy”. The best advice for women, who are pregnant, or planning on becoming pregnant,is to abstain from all drinking. By following this advice, the wide range of birth defects associated with FAS and FAE can be prevented.

Author: Douglas Hardwick
About the author: Douglas Hardwick, Ph.D., has extensive interests in issues of holistic health and human development. He is a primary contributor to the information website: Holistic Health and Healing Resources.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/emurray/210421689/

While choosing locally grown, organic produce can help solve this problem in the long run, that does not help you if you are trying to conceive, pregnant or nursing as you read this. If what you eat or drink will pass through to your sperm, egg, fetus or newborn in any way, then please avoid pesticides at all costs.

This study only looked at the correlation between preterm labor and agricultural runoff in our drinking water. Is it really a stretch to imagine what the chemicals are doing to fertility, fetal development, neurological development, disease and the like? The answer is naturally to eat organic if at all possible and of course use a water filter.

Many experts are now recommending against bottled water due to the environmental costs of shipping the water and due to the fact that the water is not much cleaner or more pure than your tap water. The best water filter you can buy is a reverse osmosis whole house filter. This will provide you with clean drinking water and also chemical free water for bathing.

Unfortunately, the cost is prohibitive for many people. Any filter is better than no filter so even a filtering pitcher or faucet like Brita or Pur will help to filter out some of the chemicals that can cause you or your little one harm.

Click here to see EPA list of drinking water contaminants

Click here to see EWG tap water database

Click here to see the bottled water database

Buy water filters at the Natural Home Store

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Sheryl’s comment:
According to this article, “more than 80,000 new organic synthetic chemicals have been introduced commercially since the 1960s”. The article goes on to say that “No basic toxicity information is publicly available for 43 percent” of those high-volume chemicals and “full information on toxicity is publicly available for only 7 percent,” The article specifically discusses the effect of phthalates (found in your shampoos and personal care items), PCBs and how chemicals such as methymercury can severely damage a fetus’s brain. Your child can be poisoned with Methylmercury while in your womb if you receive RH-negative shots, Flu-vaccines, have dental amalgams, or receive pitocin for a labor induction during childbirth.

This article underscores the dire need to avoid pollutants, chemicals inside and outside of your home, avoid plastics, pesticides, toxic personal care products, and all shots and amalgam related dental work. This is so important if you care about your innocent baby’s brain.

The article specifically addresses the relationship of the use of thimerosol in vaccines to the dramatic rise in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Environmental Illness (EI).

“Effects of mercury on children show susceptibility for prenatal exposure to methylmercury as it passes though the placental barrier to the developing fetus from the mother (Bjornberg et al, 2005). Clarkson (2002) notes mothers with mild symptoms of mercury neurotoxicity often give birth to offspring with severe brain damage, delayed development, and other neurologic abnormalities. There is valid concern over the safety of the amount of additional mercury received in childhood vaccinations.”

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by Sheryl Lyon

Are you trying to go organic during your pregnancy? You might be eating organic but what about the products you put on your skin? Just because they say natural or even organic, it certainly does not mean they are safe for you, much less for your tiny fetus. Personal care products are not regulated the same way that food items are. Please do not be naive. These products contain ingredients linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, developmentive and reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity, allergies, endocrine disruption, biochemical and cellular changes and more. The Environmental Working Group has put together a database of cosmetics, skin, hair and nail products with scores based on the toxicity of the ingredients with zero being the safest and ten the most hazardous.

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or lactating then go into your bathroom right now, grab every item that you use on your face, body or hair, bring them to your computer and go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com Type in each and every brand name and you will see exactly what you are putting into your body and your baby through your skin. Unless you are using items that you are making in your own kitchen, then the results are sure to shock you.

So here it is, the winners and losers, safest and most hazardous. You can click on any ingredient name for full details of the dangers you are exposing yourself and your baby to. If you are interested in purchasing any of the top ten you can click the product name to go directly to Amazon or visit our Natural Pregnancy Store.

The winner: Zenmomma Belly and Body Oil Mist
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Almond, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils (all of which are zero concern). Also contains TOCOPHEROL

The loser: Vitabath Moisturizing Dry Oil
Score: 8 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Contains ingredients that are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity and more. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), D & C VIOLET 2, and BHT

Make your own: Many women simply rub straight olive, almond, jojoba or other nut/seed oil directly on their growing tummy. You know you won’t be harming your precious baby and it is much less expensive than commercially prepared products.

The winner: There is no winner in this category, only losers. The lowest score in the entire category is a six and you should not expose your fetus to more than a zero or 1.

The biggest loser: Mustela Special Maternity Lotion, Stretch Marks Intensive Action
Score: 7 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persistence and bioaccumulation, biochemical and cellular changes and more. Some of the ingredients of concern: CETEARETH-33, FRAGRANCE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN and more.

Make your own: Many experts claim that there is absolutely nothing you can do about stretch marks. They happen from the inside due to stress on the skin and they are actually inside out scars. It does not hurt to try to battle these pregnancy war wounds (unless you are using commercially prepared stretch mark cream). Try unrefined cocoa butter, vitamin E capsules, shea butter and wheat germ oil. Keep your skin healthy from the inside by drinking tons of water and getting plenty of E, C and Zinc from your diet as well as your prenatal vitamin.

The winner: UV Natural Sport SPF 30+
Score: 0 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Zinc Oxide, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Sesame, Safflower and Macadamia Nut Oils.

The loser: Coppertone Sunblock Lotion, UVA/UVB Protection, SPF15, Waterproof
Score: 7 - (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and non-reproductive organ system toxicity (among other things) OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), OXYBENZO (BENZOPHENONE-3) and FRAGRANCE

Make your own:
Many natural health advocates including Dr. Mercola and Mike Adams, are loud and adamant detractors of sunscreen. They believe (and I agree) that the entire market is fabricated on nonsense and rather than preventing cancer, the chemicals contained in sunscreen actually cause cancer. While pregnant, please avoid putting commercial sunscreens on your skin at all costs. Yes of course you want to avoid getting sunburned but there are plenty of non-chemical ways to do that. Try wearing hats and long sleeve shirts and seeking shade. Do not spend hours baking in the sun.

Still want to use sunscreen? Check out Environmental Working Groups Best and Worst Sunscreen Lists.

The winner: Crystal Body Deodorant Spray Mist
Score: Zero(Low Hazard)
What it contains: Potassium Alum and Water

The loser: Suave Silky Smooth Antiperspirant Deodorant Invisible Solid Silk Blossom
Score: 6 (Moderate Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients are linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, organ system toxicity and more. Ingredients of concern are: ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TRICHLOROHYDREX GLY, FRAGRANCE, BHT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-8 DISTEARATE

Make your own: Sweating is healthy and totally normal! Anything that blocks your sweat glands or inhibits this natural detoxing action is very unhealthy. Additionally, the aluminum contained in antiperspirants has been linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer among other things. Therefore please avoid anti persperspirants at all costs while pregnant. Being stinky does not bring a health benefit however, but there are much more natural ways to remain clean and fresh without the use of dangerous chemicals on your skin. Some people swear that a raw/vegan diet keeps them so clean they do not need deodorant or shampoo. Other people only use soap and water and never complain of body odor. In addition you can try baking soda or deodorant crystals. If you really want a stick or spray, then check out these sites for some homemade deodorant recipes. recipes 1 and recipes 2

The winner: Aubrey Organics Evening Primrose and Lavender Skin Care Bar
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Lavender Oil, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Acid and Evening Primrose Oil

The loser: The Body Shop White Musk Bath and Shower Gel
Score: 9 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients that are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity. Contains too many harmful ingredients to list, but some of top are: EUGENOL, FRAGRANCE, ISOEUGENOL, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, D&C VIOLET 2, LINALOOL, GERANIOL, LIMONENE, COUMARIN, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, BUTYLPARABEN

Make your own: Mix oatmeal and yogurt, apply and rinse off for a gentle cleanser. Mix oatmeal and brown sugar for a body scrub. Try just using plain water and a washcloth every other shower unless you are playing in the mud. Visit www.pioneerthinking.com for more recipes.

The Winner: Perfect Organics Hazelnut Coffee Shea Butter
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Organic Shea Butter, organic hazelnut and coffee extracts

The Loser: Neutrogena Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
Score: 10 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persistence and bioaccumulation, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular level changes. To make matters worse, they test on animals and using this product increases your risk of sunburn. Ingredients of concern: ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, FRAGRANCE, SALICYLIC ACID, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), BHT, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), DISODIUM EDTA, and SODIUM HYDROXIDE (among others).

Make your own: Just like the belly oils and stretch mark cream, you can easily make your own with any combination of vegetable or nut oils and butters. If you are laying off the toxic cleansers and other personal care products then your body should retain its natural oils and you should not need as much moisturizer.

The Winner: Toms of Maine Natural Baking Soda Toothpaste with Propolis and Myrrh
Score: 1 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Myrrh, Water, Propolis, a Calcium Carbonate Base and Glycerin (which bumped the score to a one)

The Loser: Rembrandt Dazzling White Mint
Score: 5 - (Moderate Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients have been linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular changes (among other things). Ingredients of concern: ALUMINA, METHYLPARABEN, PAPAIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL,

Make your own: Brush your teeth with a plain brush, or dip your brush in any combination of baking soda, salt and/or hydrogen peroxide. If you really need to use a paste you can easily make your own with items available at any drugstore.

8. SHAMPOO

The Winner: Molton Brown Cassia Energy Hair and Body Wash
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Calcium Oxide, Cassia (Cinnamon scent), Rosemary Oil, Lemon
Bonus: Its a combination product (shampoo and body cleanser) - so you also get to use a zero product on your body.

Winner #2: Korres Sunflower Extract and Vitamin F Shampoo
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
Bonus: Sunflower extract is a natural color protector
What it contains: Provitamin B5, Sunflower Extract, Vitamin F, Wheat Proteins

The loser: Redken Extreme Shampoo
Score: 9- (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persisitence and bioaccumulation, biochemical or cellular level changes and they test on animals. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, SALICYLIC ACID, LECITHIN, COCAMIDE DEA, LACTIC ACID, OLETH-10, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZOIC ACID, TAURINE

Make your own: Believe it or not some people forego shampoo altogether. Seriously. Check it out by Googling “no poo”. Make a paste of baking soda and water and massage it into your scalp with your fingertips. Rinse with water then apple cider vinegar. You could also try rinsing with lemon juice or plain water. As with the deodorant, the closer to a raw/vegan diet you have, the less you will need chemicals to clean off the toxins that your body eliminates. You can also rinse your hair with beer or use a number of other items from your kitchen

9. CONDITIONER

The winner: Aubrey Organics- BGA Protein + Strengthening Creme Rinse
Score: 1 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Vitamin A, TOCOPHEROL, Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Lavender Oil, Milk Thistle Extract, Citrus Seed Extract, Coconut Acid, Almond Protein, Rosewater and Organic BlueGreen Algae.

The Loser: Matrix Biolage Daily Leave in Tonic
Score: 8 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persisitence and bioaccumulation, biochemical or cellular level changes and they test on animals. Ingredients of concern: DMDM HYDANTOIN, FRAGRANCE, POLYQUATERNIUM-11, TRIETHANOLAMINE, BUTYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, OLETH-5, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), DISODIUM EDTA and more.

Make your own: Use any combination of raw egg, mayonnaise, avocado, olive oil, banana, coconut oil, honey, any vegetable or nut oil Visit www.pioneerthinking.com for more recipes.

The winner: Lyphazome Inside Tan
Score: 2 - (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Jojoba Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, and Shea Butter which pregnant skin loves, but it also contains a few items of concern such as LECITHIN, DIHYDROXYACETONE, DIMETHICONE,

The loser: Banana Boat Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion (Dark)
Score: 10-(High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular level changes. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, DIHYDROXYACETONE, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, DISODIUM EDTA among others.

Make your own: Get 10-20 minutes of sun a day, you will feel better and get some crucial vitamin D. Pregnancy is the most important time to give up extraneous chemicals and sunless tanner is not necessary when you have that beautiful pregnancy glow. OK, maybe you don’t feel very glowy without your tanner, but is nine short months really that long to go without sunless tanner if it maintains optimal fetal development? Your baby is too precious to risk his or her health for a fake tan.

Thanks for reading! Drop a comment if you have your own recipe to recommend or a low hazard product that you just love! Maybe we will include it in the next list. Visit the Non-toxic personal care department of our Natural Pregnancy Store if you are interested in purchasing any of the items on the list.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/jpmatth/2626922668/

Today there are several options for prenatal vitamin supplements. Before taking prenatal vitamins it is important that pregnant women talk with their doctors. Prenatal vitamins need to be taken regularly in order for the baby to absorb the proper amount of essential nutrients. It is important that pregnant women learn about the types of prenatal vitamins that can be harmful to them.

Supplements that contain folic acid and iron are the most important for pregnant women. Always read the label carefully when considering your vitamin supplements since there are some that have vitamins and minerals which counteract the effects of the needed vitamins in the supplement. In order to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby it is important for pregnant women to take prenatal vitamin supplements even if they think they are getting the needed amounts of vitamins and minerals in their food.

For pregnant women, the most toxic vitamin is synthetic Vitamin A. So the intake of synthetic Vitamin A should be carefully monitored for pregnant women. However, beta carotene is a good Vitamin A for pregnant women as it comes from food sources. This good form of beta carotene can be found in fruits and vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes. Although animal products that contain Vitamin A are not good for pregnant women since an overdose of these vitamins can lead to birth defects. So read the labels on prenatal vitamin supplements carefully and make sure the only form of Vitamin A is beta carotene.

Consulting your doctor is the best way to make sure your prenatal vitamin supplement is okay to use. Prenatal check ups are the best way to consult your doctor. Based on the needs of your baby the doctor will give you the proper dosage of the appropriate vitamins.

Folic acid vitamin supplements are usually recommended by doctors during the first trimester of pregnancy. The brain development of babies relies on folic acid. To prevent pregnant women from having anemia a doctor may also recommend iron supplements. Iron is also very important for the development of the babies.

About the author:
Tony Jacowski writes on vitamins diary. He also writes on health care information and ayurvedic medicines.

Sheryl’s comment:
Even if you only eat organic food, it is pretty much impossible to get all your vitamins and minerals through food due to the fact that the nutritional content of food has been steadily declining in this century. This is especially important during pregnancy because if a pregnant woman lacks certain vitamins or minerals during various stages of fetal development, then the baby can suffer irreparable damage. Vitamins are simply extra insurance to fill in the gaps of what you are missing. To be safe try to find the most natural, food based prenatal vitamins you can. Anything synthetic, chemical or man made should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/selva/7737130/

Recent studies have shown that the use of Paxil during pregnancy increases the chances of birth defects. In December 2005, the Food and Drug Administration moved Paxil from a class C drug to a class D drug. A class C drug is one that has been proven to harm animals; and a class D drug is one that has been proven to harm the human fetus. According to the FDA, a Swedish study was done which proved that women who took Paxil in the first trimester (first twelve weeks) of the pregnancy had two times higher risk in having a baby with some form of birth defect than other women who took another form of antidepressant or no antidepressant medication. Some of the harms or birth defects caused by the use of Paxil before or during pregnancy include potential infant heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborn babies. During the first trimester of a pregnancy, the babies heart develops. According to medical experts, the most crucial time is during weeks three through seven because this is when the heart is taking the form of four separate chambers.

In addition to infant heart defects, there are several other potential defects that can result from taking Paxil during a pregnancy. For example, a 2005 research study showed the women who took Paxil during a pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, were more like to have an omphalocele; a birth defect which is a malformation where the abdominal contents protrude into the base of the umbilical cord. A condition known as craniosynostosis; another birth defect which is an early closing of one or more of the sutures of an infant’s head, causing a malformation of the skull is another potential defect that can result from the use of Paxil during a pregnancy.

Lung disorders are yet another birth defect that can be directly linked to the use of Paxil during a pregnancy. In 2006, the FDA issued an advisory notice saying that infants had problems with adjusting to breathing air when they first came out of the womb, which required them to have some sort of mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing. They claim that this birth defect can also be linked back to the use of Paxil during the pregnancy.

In conclusion, the FDA has said and proven that there are several birth defects that can be related to taking Paxil medication during the pregnancy. These include birth defects affecting the heart, lungs, and overall development. Women have a higher risk of birth defects, if the Paxil is taken before or during the pregnancy. Many lawsuits are now being initiated because of birth defects which could possibly be the result of taking Paxil medication during the pregnancy. If you have been taking or are currently taking Paxil and you are pregnant, then you should discontinue its use, contact your doctor and seek legal advice right away.

About the author:
Nick Johnson is a personal injury attorney and lead counsel with Johnson Law Group, a personal injury law firm with principal offices located in Houston, Texas. Mr. Johnson represents injured people in injury cases and matters involving the drug Paxil. For a free case evaluation, contact Johnson Law Group and its Paxil attorneys at 1-888-311-5522 or visit http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com for more information.

Sheryl’s comment:
Drugs and babies just do not mix. Even prescription drugs. Please never assume that something is safe just because your doctor prescribed it for you. Even a Tylenol affects your baby. Everything you eat, drink or put on your skin affects your baby. Be especially wary of anything manufactured in a lab and sold in a package or box. This is not meant to scare you but to alert you to potential dangers. It is better to know while pregnant than to wonder why no one warned you after the fact.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/hate/2169000524/