https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:12:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy/page/2#post-2822465 Mon, 14 May 2018 23:18:20 +0000 DesertDreams88 2822465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anxiety ruined a lot of my 2nd pregnancy due to prior loss and IF. Thanks to spiritual growth, good friends, and mental work, my anxiety was much less the next time around. Like others have said, do what you need to do to feel better.</p> <p>On a related note, during each pregnancy I was exposed to cement dust / powder and fire extinguisher powder. Baby was ok.</p> <p>Agree with PPs that pregnancy nose makes it smell 10x stronger. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2822453 Mon, 14 May 2018 20:45:54 +0000 beatrixkiddo 2822453@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A couple of thoughts--<br /> I agree with your therapist; it will be impossible not to worry about anything. Hell, I spent the first 12 weeks of both pregnancies worrying without any real cause as well. Finding ways to acknowledge and survive your anxiety about the pregnancy is the key thing. Do you think that your anxiety will lessen considerably when you hit 12 weeks? Even though some of these fears may be irrational, you are fundamentally a rational person and most of the causes for your concern would result in a miscarriage in the early weeks. If you think that you'll feel more in control come 12 weeks or so, I think you need some short term coping mechanisms rather than anything long term like meds. If avoiding yoga and swimming, and minimizing your time in the classroom is making you feel better and you truly think that in a few weeks you'll be able to let go of some of this anxiety then so be it. Let yourself do what you need to do to make yourself feel better. If you think that even after a healthy NIPT test at 11 weeks and good ultrasounds you'll still be stuck in this mire of anxiety then I think you need more of a plan for managing through the pregnancy. </p> <p>Second, just some cold comfort on the smells issue: schools (and public schools in particular) are probably the most lawsuit averse institutions in the country. If there were any chance that the materials or products they were exposing students to could cause any degree of harm (including on a fetus), they would avoid it like the plague for fear of having a class action liability suit on their hands.<br /> Also, at 5 weeks, I believe you don't yet share a blood supply with the fetus. It is more protected from environmental harms at this point than it is later on when the placenta has developed. At 7 weeks, when the placenta is developed and you are supplying the fetus with blood, then the baby's exposure to toxins (i think--anyone on here with better knowledge please feel free to correct me) would be dependent on the same mechanism as exposure to alcohol: the amounts that you are exposed to are first filtered through your liver before that blood is cycled to the baby. It is only in the event that your liver is unable to process and neutralize the amount of toxin that it is presented with that the toxin then makes its way into the blood that goes to the fetus. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821999 Fri, 11 May 2018 12:27:35 +0000 alphagam84 2821999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't worry about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821899 Fri, 11 May 2018 07:10:46 +0000 yellowbeach 2821899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to say I think this ad being displayed in this post is pretty cruel given the topic at hand. I understand the algorithms that make it display, but an example of poor taste and predatory advertising. </p> [attach=7491/18/p8kchy.337x600.3800B90A-B8EC-41BD-98E1-CEB3F8233DD5.png] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821856 Thu, 10 May 2018 20:39:31 +0000 Mama Bird 2821856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: you'd be surprised, sadly... but yes, as many people have said, at some point one has to let go of worrying about things that are out of one's control.</p> <p>In any case, the smell is probably actually very very slight if you factor in pregnancy nose, and no more of a hazard than all the things most of us get exposed to every day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821848 Thu, 10 May 2018 20:02:11 +0000 yellowbeach 2821848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's reasonable and rational to be aware of and question any potential dangers in your workplace environment, but once you've asked around, if the answer is the place is safe but you still fixate on the possible dangers, then it's an issue.</p> <p>I work in a hospital where there are tons of potentially bad things to be exposed to while pregnant (e.g. radiation, test monkeys that have been injected with varying diseases, patients with all kinds of communicable diseases like toxo, CMV, coccidio, Zoster). I went to HR and just asked about "hot spots" in the hospital to avoid (ie the entire basement in the research building, 3rd floor radiology) and that gave me peace of mind knowing I wouldn't accidentally and unknowingly put myself at risk. Like others, I think it's reasonable to ask, but if you can't accept no for an answer, then you get into the irrational realm.</p> <p>Regardless, I agree with the multiple people above who recommend calling your therapist for a sooner appointment. Either way, this is affecting your functioning in a negative way and should be addressed sooner than later. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821846 Thu, 10 May 2018 19:17:29 +0000 IRunForFun 2821846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: Was the gym being used regularly, as a gym, before the renovations started? If so, I can't imagine that there would be anything in there that would be toxic. Gyms I think just smell, I mean there would have been decades of sweating going on in there... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821845 Thu, 10 May 2018 19:00:46 +0000 pachamama 2821845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: I agree the yoga and swimming thing is excessive but I don't entirely agree that being concerned about a pungent fertilizer-like smell during construction where I work 8 hours a day is an invalid concern. I also work very close to a designated Superfund site (Hudson River/GE PCB dumping) so that sort of stuff is also on my mind. Also, my school is built on top of an airport that was coated with pcbs for decades. So I think all of this is adding to my concern about my workplace environment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821844 Thu, 10 May 2018 18:57:05 +0000 pachamama 2821844@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: I'm in a gym so a filter wouldn't do anything. I have a diffuser which is literally like a drop in a bucket lol.<br /> @Mama Bird: I wouldn't be able to switch rooms, I had already requested to move and the logistics with my class of 29 were too difficult.<br /> @SweetiePie: yeah... I think once I get past these initial weeks I'll feel better and way less paranoid.</p> <p>@cyntist: it might have been coming from construction. The head of safety and a consultant actually came into my room and asked me all sorts of questions. They want me to log everything so I feel a lot better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821835 Thu, 10 May 2018 16:37:42 +0000 magnolia 2821835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: can you get an air filter for your classroom? Maybe a aroma diffuser too?<br /> Maybe that would give you some piece of mind.<br /> I had two miscarriages and also now a child who had some delays. I totally get the anxiety and stress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821791 Thu, 10 May 2018 14:21:43 +0000 Mrsbells 2821791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: congrats first of all! Just know that worrying is normal to an extent. I always think of the worst possible scenarios. Having said that in your case it does sound like the worry and anxiety are gaining too much momentum. I agree with othet posters to not struggle with this alone, and seek medical help. You can tell your OB you don't wont Zoloft and ask what other options such as therapy are available </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821710 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:54:41 +0000 gingerbebe 2821710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think your sense of smell is probably hypersensitive because of pregnancy - that is totally common and normal. So something that no one else notices, you may notice, because you are pregnant and if you were always sensitive to smells to begin with, its probably really intense. So I believe you when you say that you perceive a very strong smell.</p> <p>However. A smell is not going to cause a miscarriage, like short of like a chemical weapon or something, in which case YOU would get sick. And not wanting to leave your house or leaving work early or avoiding gentle exercise because of a fear of MC is also irrational. Understandable, but irrational. Basically, you're just trying to exert control over something you have no control over and obsessing about it, which all points to anxiety and OCD type behavior.</p> <p>I have a history of anxiety and depression and I suffered multiple miscarriages before I had my boys, so I completely understand how you feel, but yeah, you're not SUPPOSED to feel that way. And it is 100% true that anxiety and stress have PHYSICAL effects on your body and health that are detrimental, which means that has to get passed to your child. If you don't feel comfortable doing yoga, I would at least encourage you to spend an hour meditating or praying each day, perhaps even while walking, setting positive intentions of health and wellness over yourself and your child so that you can have a positive attitude and bring down your cortisol levels and boost your seratonin. And get as much sleep and sunlight as possible to boost seratonin as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821709 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:54:34 +0000 Mama Bird 2821709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: yeah there is some info out there but it's hard to make sense of! I spent a lot of time googling it after the gasoline incident because I was only six weeks along and freaked out. I had actual measurements of the levels because I was the health and safety person :bummed: and it sounded like the exposure levels that cause harm were much higher than what it takes to just cause a horrible stink.</p> <p>If it smells like tar - again, likely no effect at the level where you can smell it but others can't, but it probably wouldn't raise any eyebrows if you asked to switch classrooms with another teacher. Are you able to do that? You may be able to just say you're very sensitive to smells lately. I did tell my boss ridiculously early after that gasoline thing, but there were a lot of things that were part of my job that I needed to tweak. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821708 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:54:01 +0000 avivoca 2821708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: I think these thoughts are irrational and you should talk to your therapist ASAP. Also, FWIW, during my second pregnancy I worked while our office was being renovated (totally renovated, floors closed and everything) with lots of weird smells, paint fumes, stain fumes, etc. My daughter and I were both fine and my employer made sure that all products used were safe for pregnant women (there was another pregnant woman working at the same time). So I wouldn't stop normal life because my neighbor fertilized. You'd have to eat the stuff for it to be bad for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821706 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:42:37 +0000 SweetiePie 2821706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: I think that in general, thinking that a chemical smell can’t be good isn’t irrational. Pregnant or not, if I was in a room that smelled funny day in and day out I’d ask about it. I think it’s irrational the way that you are reacting to it - like not leaving home becuase neighbors fertilized, leaving work early without permission, not swimming, not doing yoga. That’s what I meant by being paralyzed. Worrying can be normal but when you’re avoiding life and things you enjoy, that’s when it’s a problem. Swimming and yoga especially are two things That are quite good for you while pregnant. ESP if you switch to gentle, restorative or prenatal yoga. But if you’re a seasoned yoga veteran you should be fine with anything besides like hot yoga.<br /> And the possibility of smells harming an unborn fetus would be, I think, slim to none. At least nothing being used around the general public like fertilizer or construction materials. </p> <p>100% call your therapist and don’t just tell her you are working. Read her what you wrote here. I’m sure she’ll want to see you sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821702 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:41:24 +0000 cyntist 2821702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you think the smell is coming from the construction itself? If so, you might be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals they’re using and check for effects during pregnancy. I was really concerned about this kind of thing during both my pregnancies, since I’m a scientist, and I worked in agriculture when I was pregnant with L. I researched the fertilizers and fungicides used in our fields to see if I could enter safely. Checking in with your therapist should definitely be helpful, but it might also help if you can actually name what the fumes are and find whether they’ve been shown to be harmful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821686 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:15:32 +0000 LBee 2821686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: Agreed. </p> <p>Your thoughts sound irrational. Actually, some of the things you cited not doing (swimming, yoga) don't just sound irrational they frankly ARE irrational. It's going to be a long 9 months if you let your anxiety spin out. I would seek help for yourself as well as your family's sake. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821685 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:14:11 +0000 periwinklebee 2821685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: If it smells like fertilizer, I think it's fine to ask whoever handles grounds for your employer whether they've been recently fertilized and where the fertilizer is stored. You have a right to inquire about the health and safety of your workplace. </p> <p>I'm not an expert on health and safety - and live in the city where no one has yards - but I know the most harmful weedkillers were banned back in the 70s. Also know that stuff like this doesn't cause miscarriage, whether or not you're going to miscarry is the vast majority of time determined at conception, by whether or not there is a genetic abnormality. It just super sucks that sometimes you have to go through pregnancy for quite awhile to find out :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821681 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:05:29 +0000 pachamama 2821681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Dahlia: I never went on it... as soon as spring came I was back to normal just like every year. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821680 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:03:06 +0000 Dahlia 2821680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely call your therapist. They usually have emergency spots open and it sounds like you would benefit from touching base with her. And I would consider going back on Zoloft. I've been on it non-stop since a few weeks after DD was born and for me at least it really helps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821679 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:02:23 +0000 pachamama 2821679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: Thank you so much :-) Do you really think they're irrational? I'm asking that honestly :bummed: I seem to feel like if something smells like fertilizer or weird chemicals it's bad for me/baby but I always have been SUPER aware of smells... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821678 Thu, 10 May 2018 10:00:33 +0000 pachamama 2821678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Thank you. I am so so excited. My therapist gave me good advice- she said it's not realistic for someone like me to not worry, so don't fight that but also know I can be positive and excited as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821676 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:55:57 +0000 SweetiePie 2821676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: first, I’m so happy for you, congrats! I think of you often.<br /> Second, I think that if you called your therapist and told her about those thoughts (they sound pretty paralyzing) she would see you sooner. </p> <p>I’m not trying to be insensitive, but those thoughts really aren’t rational at all. I really hope you can get the help and support you need to enjoy this pregnancy as much as you can. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821675 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:51:22 +0000 pachamama 2821675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:</p> <p>Recurrent, persistent, intrusive thoughts<br /> Compulsions to relieve those thoughts through repetitive thoughts or behaviors</p> <p>yupppppp!<br /> I liked this ...<br /> Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in which a skilled therapist teaches new approaches to managing thoughts and emotions<br /> Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are found in foods such as oily fish and walnuts, and can act as a natural mood-booster<br /> Light therapy, in which patients are exposed to artificial sunlight at specific times of the day to help relieve depression symptoms<br /> Acupuncture, a Chinese practice that (in this case) involves placing tiny needles into areas of the body thought to influence mood</p> <p>I literally do every single one of those suggestions :-) My therapist is CBT specialized, got my light, I eat a lot of omega 3s, etc.. but I haven't been to acupuncture in about 2 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821674 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:48:02 +0000 hellobeeboston 2821674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: Congrats on the pregnancy! I'm so sorry you're coping with the extra anxiety :( Glad to hear you're seeing your therapist soon, hopefully that will help and they can give you some strategies to manage if you don't want to take medication. But, I know the medication is safe and could be really helpful for that "out of control" feeling you're having. Those damn pregnancy hormones kick anxiety to new levels... So tough.</p> <p>It so easy for me to say, don't worry about this or that, but easier said than done.... I went to good old google to see if I could find anything interesting besides medication.</p> <p>I found this article talking about pre-natal anxiety/depression... there were some good tips at the bottom that seemed like good action items that might be easy for you to work on:</p> <p><a href="https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/emotions/coping-with-anxiety-and-depression-during-pregnancy/" rel="nofollow">https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/emotions/coping-with-anxiety-and-depression-during-pregnancy/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821673 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:47:39 +0000 periwinklebee 2821673@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to say that I am *so* happy that you are pregnant :grin: Agree with the advice that others have given above :heart: :heart: Pregnancy anxiety is tough, all the more after loss, and lots of us have been there and sympathize... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821672 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:46:29 +0000 Sams Mom 2821672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: I recently went back on Zoloft because I am 14 cycles into TTC #2 now, and it was crippling. Unfortunately we have to stop trying for a while now because of other circumstances, but I started feeling like myself again for the first time in a long time after accepting that I needed help again. </p> <p>No matter what you do, make sure to talk to your support system (husband, mom, siblings, friends, therapist) about whats going on and when you need help or reassurance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821669 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:45:41 +0000 erinbaderin 2821669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t know if this will make you feel better but if this is just a weird smell, even if it IS toxic, the odds are that it would only be affecting your lungs and not your baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821667 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:43:03 +0000 gotkimchi 2821667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: have you have your vit d levels checked? Lack of vitd can contribute to symptoms and almost everyone in the north is low. But I also wouldn’t discount meds, many are safe for pregnancy and people can have perinatal depression/anxiety that transitions postpartum as well. Don’t discount your feelings and make sure your whole team knows how you’re doing. That way if you want to wait on meds but in 2 weeks think you need them there won’t be a delay </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/being-really-paranoid-about-exposure-in-early-pregnancy#post-2821666 Thu, 10 May 2018 09:41:49 +0000 pachamama 2821666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: True, I feel like what COULD be harming my baby is the knot in my stomach I have from worrying!! </p>