Perfume is potentially harmful during pregnancy because it often contains hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Potential Risks of Perfume Use During Pregnancy
Many perfumes and fragrances contain ingredients that can pose risks during pregnancy. These risks mainly stem from the presence of:
- Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make fragrances last longer.
- Xenoestrogens: These are synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen.
These substances are classified as hormone disruptors, which can interfere with the body's endocrine system. The reference material highlights that these chemicals can cross the placental barrier.
How These Chemicals Affect Pregnancy
The ability of these chemicals to cross the placental barrier is concerning because:
- Hormone Disruption: They can interfere with the delicate hormonal balance essential for fetal development.
- Developmental Issues: Exposure to hormone disruptors in utero has been linked to potential developmental and reproductive issues in the child later in life.
