Tips on safety for you and your baby at home and in the garden. During pregnancy, especially in the early weeks, your baby’s development is highly sensitive to environmental exposures. Everyday products—such as cleaning sprays, cosmetics, insect repellents and garden chemicals—can contain substances that may not be ideal in pregnancy. This safety guide will help you understand which products to use with care, avoid, or safely substitute, so you can feel confident in your home environment.
Cleaning Products Safety
Safe to use (with precautions):
• • Mild detergents, washing-up liquids, and diluted white vinegar
• • Bicarbonate of soda for deodorising
• • Antibacterial wipes without bleach or ammonia
Use with caution:
• • Bleach: Use in well-ventilated areas, wear gloves, and never mix with ammonia or other cleaners
• • Disinfectant sprays with strong fumes (e.g. pine, citrus solvents)
• • Products labelled “antibacterial” may contain triclosan or quats—limited human pregnancy data
Avoid:
• • Undiluted ammonia or strong oven cleaners
• • Aerosolised sprays or any product that causes you to feel dizzy or unwell on use
Tips:
✔ Open windows or use extractor fans
✔ Wear gloves
✔ Avoid direct inhalation or skin contact
Personal Care & Toiletries
Safe to continue:
• • Toothpaste, shampoos, body washes from reputable brands
• • Moisturisers and soaps labelled fragrance-free or “for sensitive skin”
• Use with care:
• • Hair dye (especially in first trimester – opt for ammonia-free or highlights)
• • Nail polish and remover – use in well-ventilated space, avoid frequent use
• • Self-tanners (DHA is considered low risk, but absorption varies)
Avoid or limit:
• • Products with retinoids (e.g. retinol, tretinoin)
• • Salicylic acid in high concentrations (check acne treatments)
• • Essential oils applied directly to skin unless approved by a healthcare provider
Gardening & Outdoor Chemicals Safety
Generally safe with gloves and hygiene:
• • Organic compost, soil, mulch
• • Manual weeding and watering
• Use with caution:
• • Weedkillers and insecticides: If essential, choose natural formulations and use only when necessary. Avoid glyphosate-based products
• • Fertilisers: Wear gloves and avoid skin contact
Avoid:
• • Applying chemical pesticides, slug pellets or fungicides without PPE
• • Any products with unclear labelling
Tips:
✔ Wash hands thoroughly after gardening
✔ Avoid handling cat litter or unwashed produce (toxoplasmosis risk)
✔ Wear a mask if spraying anything outdoors
Insect Repellents
• • DEET up to 50% – considered safe in all trimesters by NHS and WHO
• • Icaridin (Picaridin) – low skin absorption and safe for use
• • Citriodiol (lemon eucalyptus oil derivative) – safe if labelled for pregnancy use
Avoid:
• • Products with high ethanol content in aerosol form
• • Homemade oil blends unless cleared by a health professional
Hobbies and DIY
Watch out for:
• • Paints (especially oil-based or those with solvents – use water-based alternatives)
• • Varnishes and paint strippers – avoid inhalation, use masks
• • Glues, epoxies and strong adhesives – check safety data
Safe alternatives:
• • Watercolours, air-drying clays, pregnancy-safe craft kits
Final Safety Tips
• Always read product labels for pregnancy warnings
• When in doubt, choose the least fragranced, most natural option
• Wash hands after any exposure and avoid eating or drinking during use of any chemicals
Food Safety
Click here to read about Food Safety
Click here to read about Health and Safety Executive advice on industrial hazards
#PregnancyTips #SafeHomePregnancy #PregnancyCareUK #InnermostHealthcare
Dr Robert Bryan Beattie MB BCh BAO MD FRCOG
Dr Beattie qualified in 1983 from Queen’s University Belfast and is sub-specialty trained in Fetal and Maternal Medicine. He also holds the RCOG/RCR Joint Diploma in Obstetric Ultrasound. He was a founder member of the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society and is an internationally recognised pregnancy expert who is regularly called upon to speak at conferences and events. Dr Beattie is the founding Chairman and Trustee of the Innermost Academy, a registered charity dedicated to improving education in pregnancy care.
