It’s almost automatic to remind expectant moms to steer clear of using substances that can be harmful to their babies, but people usually don’t think the same for those who are trying to conceive, or TTC. If there isn’t a baby yet, do the same rules apply?

The answer is yes. Think of it as the best preparation to ensure that a healthy baby is formed and nurtured in the womb. The difference is, while during pregnancy there is a strict list for would-be parents to follow, there is only a general guide for TTC folks to stick to. In particular, there are some substances that fall under endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or hormone-disrupting chemicals that could affect female and male reproductive health. In the world today, items that contain these hormone-disrupting chemicals are everywhere so it’s best to be aware of what these are.

To help out, here are some of the most common ingredients or chemicals to look out for in labels when trying to conceive, and ways to lessen using them.

Continue reading “Read the Label: Chemicals to Avoid When You’re Trying to Conceive”