Facts About Exposure to Mold During Pregnancy
The birth of a child is one of life’s most exciting and joyful experiences. Once she finds out that she is pregnant, a woman is often told to focus on her health and well-being. It’s sound advice when you consider that the exposure to toxins during pregnancy can cause irreversible harm to the unborn child. Exposure to mold and pregnancy can be a potentially deadly mix, especially when it’s black mold. That is why it is important to stay alert for any signs of mold and any allergic reactions that you might be suffering with.
Black mold releases mycotoxins into the air which, if inhaled by a pregnant woman, can cause problems for infants and young children. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a lot of research regarding this topic. However, mold has often been linked to issues such as birth defects and other types of harm that can negatively affect the unborn child.
Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure during Pregnancy
There are certain symptoms caused by black mold exposure that every pregnant woman should be cognizant of. Although they may not manifest themselves right away, it’s still important to watch for them. The sooner you notice any of the following signs and symptoms of black mold exposure during pregnancy, the greater the chance that your baby will not be adversely affected by this:
- excessive menstrual bleeding
- fetal development issues
- hormonal imbalance
- impotence
- infertility
- miscarriage
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS
In addition to these symptoms, there are others that commonly arise among individuals who’ve been exposed to black mold including:
- asthma
- chronic abdominal issues
- headaches
- nosebleeds
- respiratory issues
In most cases, the health issues that pregnant women develop are equivalent to mild to moderate allergies or hay fever. Overall, it is rare that the symptoms listed in these two groups become reality.
Additionally, pneumonia as well as other types of respiratory infections can cause problems in a healthy, normal pregnancy and possibly lead to child birth complications or problems. According to the CDC, certain molds can cause an infant’s lungs to bleed. So, if you’ve been wondering if birth defects can result from the exposure to black mold, the answer is an emphatic YES!
Avoiding Mold Exposure
Avoiding prolonged exposure to mold is one of the secrets to a safe and healthy pregnancy. Your best defense is a professional mold inspection of your home and remediation or removal of it once found. If you’re already pregnant, DO NOT attempt to remove the mold yourself. This increases your likelihood of getting sick or even worse, causing harm to your unborn baby. For more information about mold and how it can be detrimental to your pregnancy, call Florida Inspections Unlimited at 305-910-1171 today.