There is no doubt that pregnant women pass pollutants (either consumed or inhaled) to their infants; the placenta does not shield a developing infant from toxic chemicals. In a study done by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), researchers found an average of 200 chemicals, pollutants and pesticides in umbilical cord blood.
A recent study by a Simon Fraser University researcher says exposure of pregnant women to a pesticide that attacks insects’ nerve systems affects both length of pregnancy and a newborn’s weight. The birth weight that was found for the nerve agent exposure was comparable with the decrease in birth weight seen in women who smoke cigarettes. The use of pesticides that attack the nerve systems of insects has declined in Canada, but according to the authors of this study exposure is still widespread. Since it is impossible to know if the food you are eating is laced with this particular pesticide, it is best to avoid non-organic food whenever possible, particularly during pregnancy. References www.vancouversun.com/health/women/Exposure+pregnan... www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php