Is BPA Safe During Pregnancy?

Is BPA Safe During Pregnancy?

“Is BPA safe during pregnancy?” is a question that has been in the news quite a lot recently, so as a mother-to-be how could you not want to know the same thing? In this article we will not only answer the question,
Is BPA safe during pregnancy, but we’ll also provide you with the information to answer any related questions that you may have when it comes to BPA and your pregnancy.

What is BPA Anyway?

BPA stands for Bisphenol A. This is a chemical that is commonly found in baby bottles and is the chemical that helps to make baby bottles and many other products clear and shatterproof. The safety of this chemical has been questioned not only in regard to a baby who drinks from bottles containing it but also to mothers who are exposed to it while pregnant.

So Is BPA Safe during Pregnancy or Not?

The most recently published study on the effects of BPA during pregnancy has shown that there is some risk associated with exposure to BPA while pregnant. Science Daily reported in May of this year that a study performed by Kaiser Permanent researchers found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy is associated with lowered birth rate when compared to those who were not exposed to BPA during pregnancy. This is based on BPA exposure in the workplace as opposed to the minimal exposure that one may experience when simply using products containing BPA.

BPA and Babies

While the exposure to BPA would have to be direct and in high amounts in order to put your unborn baby’s health at risk, there is still concern about the effects of BPA on babies because of the many baby products that contain BPA. Babies are know to have a greater exposure to BPA than most on a daily basis because of the many products they are in contact with that contain BPA. Items such as baby bottles, sippy cups, teething toys, soothers, and even baby food containers and bath products contain BPA. The constant use of these things does increase a baby’s exposure to this controversial chemical.

Conclusion

Is BPA safe during pregnancy?  Yes, as long as it is in small doses which is the case for most women unless they work with BPA directly. To avoid exposure during pregnancy as well as to limit the amount of BPA that your baby is exposed to, you can simply throw out any plastic containers that are damaged. Any plastic container that has been in the microwave several times or is showing signs of wear and tear can cause BPA to seep through and into food and drinks. These containers should be thrown own. Plastic bottles and containers that sit in the sun for long periods of time should also be thrown out.