Overview

Chemical exposure

Take care during pregnancy to protect your developing baby (fetus) from harmful chemicals.

Nail polish, artificial nails, hair dyes, and hair permanents all contain strong chemicals. There is not very much research about the use of these products during pregnancy. It is always a good idea to reduce your exposure to these chemicals and be sure the room is well ventilated. Go to the website https://mothertobaby.org for more information about the effects that chemicals can have on a fetus.

Radiation exposure: X-rays, air travel, and electrical appliances

A single X-ray, such as a dental X-ray, will not harm your fetus. But it's a good idea to avoid unneeded X-rays during pregnancy. Many X-rays can be delayed until after pregnancy.

If X-rays are needed, be sure to tell the technician that you are pregnant. The X-rays can be done with a lead apron that shields your belly.

The radiation from electrical appliances such as televisions, computers, or electric blankets has not been shown to cause birth defects. You can use an electric blanket or water bed heater to warm the bed, but it is a good idea to turn it off when you get into bed so that you don't become overheated.

The amount of cosmic radiation that's considered safe during pregnancy is 1 millisievert (mSv).^{footnote 2} An occasional airline flight doesn't pose a risk. But if you fly often on business or as an airline employee, you could get more cosmic radiation than is thought to be safe. Be sure to talk about your risk with your doctor or midwife.