A new study has found that urine samples from pregnant women have shown that there are "concerning" levels of carcinogenic toxins in their system, and this can be concerning. When a woman is pregnant, it is normal that she wants to do what is best for the health of her, and her baby.
She watches what she puts into her body, and what she is exposed to, and she makes sure not to over-exert herself. However, mom may still worry about things that are not in her control. She may worry about her exposure to elements and products that may not be healthy, and her only guide to go on is the medical studies that are done.
According to Today, a study has found "widespread exposure" to cancer-causing chemicals during pregnancy. This is another source that shows that pregnant people are exposed to carcinogens that may harm their children, and they may not even know about them.
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The study was done by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and it can be read in full here. The team looked at urine samples from more than 170 pregnant women in the US and Puerto Rico.
They were measuring the levels of 45 harmful chemicals. They found detectable levels of the chemicals, melamine and cyanuric acid in every single urine sample, except for one. They also found aromatic amines, another class of chemicals, in almost every single woman.
These chemicals are all known carcinogenic chemicals, and this is the first study that has detected these levels in pregnant women. The researchers are hoping that this study will help to understand how these chemicals can impact pregnant women and how they can limit their exposure to chemicals. However, these chemicals are also linked to kidney problems in adults and children.
Tracey Woodruff was the co-author of the study, and she stated that there is some concern about these chemicals, as they are known to interfere with the normal development of the fetus, and then the baby, and this can cause adverse effects. The study also found that the levels of the chemicals were higher in women of color. These chemicals are ones that are commonly used in the production of dyes and pesticides, so it is important for pregnant women to continue to be mindful of what is around them in their environment.
Sources: Today, Science Direct