Infertility. It’s one of the things that scare me the most. One of the sacred things of being a woman is having the ability to create and carry a human being. Finding out that you can’t do this superwoman act is one of the most heart wrenching feelings anyone could have.
When I was a labor and delivery nurse. I remember taking care of a woman who tried multiple times and was successful…only to lose a few of them. Our meeting was the birth of her first child, after years and years of trying. I met a few women like her, because it is difficult to conceive these days.
Years back, women were having babies as teenagers. As young woman, we are the most fertile. But as years past, women became career driven. Building a career before family, which sets them well into their 30s. Our egg supply decreases in our late twenties, and drops after 35 years. Couples believe that if they cannot get pregnant on their own that their last resort is invitro fertilization (IVF). Which is not the truth, you can adopt or find a surrogate. But sometimes the answer lies within your body and your daily activities.
Other reasons that can cause difficulty in pregnancy, smoking and alcohol abuse, weight, underlying medical conditions and an imbalance in hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
Something to consider before you start trying is to review your beauty and skincare products. Since the FDA has no control over the safety of ingredients in the cosmetic industry, it is up to you to find the safest products for you. There are chemicals in our beauty products that are linked to hormone imbalances, as well as infertility. Thankfully, Beautycounter made it a little easier for you with our Never List, that includes 1,500+ chemicals we will never put in our products.
Most women don’t think about how dangerous the products they use daily can affect them and their unborn baby The beauty of it is being informed. Since the FDA can’t step in, the least you can do is be educated.
Whether you are trying for a baby or thinking about having one, take a look below at the common offenders that affect hormones, the reproductive system, and even the fetus.
[line]What Ingredients to Avoid When Trying For Baby[line]
*source from The Never List, Beautycounter*
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): These are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives, in other words, to extend shelf life. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.
Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): These are surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.
Formaldehyde: This is used as a preservative in cosmetics. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.
Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is a sunscreen agent and UVv light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.
Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others): Parabens is a class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are hormone disruptors. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others): Phthalates is a class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.
Toluene: A volatile petrochemical solvent that is toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. Found in: nail polish
Triclosan and Triclocarban: These are antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.
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It’s kind of astonishing to find out that these ingredients are in our products! So if you are thinking to swap out your products, take a look at my personal website. Beautycounter has so many options that are not only safe for you and baby-to-be, but your family as well.
If you comment below, I will send you a sample of my favorite charcoal bar!
