Is It Safe Expose Oneself To Pesticides During 17 Weeks Of Pregnancy?

Posted on Wed, 15 Apr 2015

Question: I will be 17 weeks pregnant tomorrow and without thinking I sprayed weeds in my yard for 10, maybe 15min and then panicked after the fact because I'm worried I could have harmed my baby. I had a cover over my mouth and nose, but my husband was putting some weed be gone in the grass and I could smell it a bit through my cover. Do I need to be concerned? This was the first time I did this and I won't be doing it again, but I'm freaking myself out now. Do I need to be worried?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
don't need to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

All pesticides (including week killer) can be toxic and cause problems in all people ,not only in pregnant women.
It is true that being exposed to pesticides during pregnancy increases the risk for birth defects or prematurity.The risk is greater in the first trimester of pregnancy.
This is true for chronic exposure or being exposed to high levels of the herbicid.

A sporadic exposure to low levels of herbicid (since you had a cover over your mouth and nose) for a short period of time, won't cause any problem for you and your baby.

You don't need to worry.Your baby will be just fine.You should avoid any contact with such toxic products like pesticides or other chemicals in the future.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar