Prenatal Toxin Avoidance Quick-Reference Card

The exposures that matter most during pregnancy — and what to do about them

Highest Priority: Avoid Completely

Alcohol— No safe amount during pregnancy. Crosses placenta directly.

Tobacco / nicotine products— Including vaping. Restricts blood flow to placenta.

High Priority: Minimize Exposure

Category	Common Sources	Simple Swaps
Pesticides	Conventional produce, lawn treatments	Buy organic Dirty Dozen; no lawn chemicals
BPA/Phthalates	Plastic containers, receipts, canned food	Glass storage; decline receipts; fresh or frozen food

Food Safety Quick Rules

1Eat 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish per week (salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring)
2Wash all produce thoroughly — even organic

Safe Fish Choices

Best Choices (2-3x/week)

✓Salmon (wild)
✓Sardines

Avoid Entirely

✗Shark
✗Swordfish

Don't let this list overwhelm you. Focus on the top 3 exposures you can control today. Any reduction helps. Perfect isn't the goal — better is.

Getting Started

Don't try to eliminate everything at once — that's paralyzing. Start with the 'Highest Priority' items this week. Move to 'High Priority' next month. Progress beats perfection.