Mold is a living organism that belongs to the domain of Fungi. Fungi are unique in that they appear plant-like, but they are neither plant nor animal. Studies have shown that they can increase the chance of congenital disabilities when it is eaten in large quantities.
There is no doubt that mold has a fearsome reputation because their mycotoxins can cause serious health issues. However, most of the time isn’t as bad as you perceive, and most people don’t develop health conditions due to mold. However, if you find them inside your home, you should address them promptly to avoid any complications and resolve any concerns.
How Harmful Is Mold During Pregnancy?
In practice, no studies have been conducted that explicitly link mold to miscarriage or congenital disabilities, but there has been anecdotal evidence. Anecdotal evidence means that individuals tell stories, which may or may not be true. However, it would be medically irresponsible to expose pregnant women to mold and watch what happens deliberately.
Can Black Mold Exposure During Pregnancy Harm Baby?
If you are pregnant, black mold exposure is certainly something you don’t want. This is because, as parents, you have a huge obligation to take the very best care of your children and ourselves possible. However, there are no studies relating to the effects of mold on human pregnancy.
Dangers of Mold and Pregnancy
Molds, in general, can cause respiratory issues like asthma, produce odors, skin rashes, and other allergic responses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to certain forms of mold can be extremely harmful to people, especially pregnant women.
Can Being Around Mold Increase the Chance for Miscarriage?
Mold exposure in pregnancy has not been well studied. Based on the current data, we cannot say that its exposure increases the possibility of miscarriage.
Can Mold Cause Birth Defects, Pregnancy Complications, or Long-term Problems in Behavior or Learning for the Baby?
As far as congenital disabilities are concerned, every pregnancy has around a 3-5% chance of having it. However, there is very little official data available about exposure to mold in pregnancy. So, if you have them in your home and get pregnant, have them removed as soon as possible before it affects your or your baby’s health.
Long Term Effects of Mold on Health
Long-term exposure to indoor molds on babies can develop more severe symptoms such as:
- Cancer
- Neurotoxicity
- Immunosuppression
- Pulmonary injury/Hemosiderosis (bleeding)
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis/Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Hepatic, endocrine, and renal toxicities
- Hematologic and immunologic disorders
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Mold?
Here are a few ways to reduce your exposure:
- Keep the moisture levels in your home lower than 50% on an average
- Use an air conditioner in humid weather conditions
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms as well as kitchens
- Use mold-killing products to clean the bathrooms
- Wear eye protection, non-porous gloves, and have good air circulation while cleaning
- Avoid putting carpets in basements or bathrooms
If you are looking for an expert Board Certified OB/Gynecologist specializing in mold illness treatment, the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine can help you. Call us at 843-572-1600 or schedule an appointment today with our expert doctors.
Dr. William J. Weirs is a board-certified expert in the field of Emergency Medicine. He has been practicing for over 10 years, expanding his knowledge about various types of patients and clinical problems. Dr. Weirs is currently involved with fulltime consultation in integrative, functional, and environmental medicine. He is an expert in many types of allergy-related disorders and various kinds of autoimmune diseases.