Did you know that you can help prevent your child from developing asthma or allergies before he or she is even born?

“Anyone wanting to conceive should be aware that what they eat and breathe might actually decide whether their baby is going to have asthma or allergies,” explains Registered Nurse Liz Boden.

“People now spend approximately 97 percent of their day indoors where the air is stagnant, filled with allergens such as dust mites, moulds and chemicals from household sprays. Many homes are also filled with smoke.”

Children are also spending more time indoors playing on computers or video games, and watching television and DVDs instead of outside breathing fresh air.

Mrs. Boden, who is the director of Open Airways, an asthma awareness charity, adds that because we are so used to eating fast foods high in fats and carbohydrates we are not eating many essential vitamins such as A, C and E. It is important that during pregnancy mothers eat a diet high in antioxidants and Omega-3’s, such as fish like tuna and salmon.

Recently a University of Bristol study found that

Recently, a University of Bristol study found that children born into ten percent of families in the UK which used products such as air fresheners, paint strippers and carpet cleaners, were twice as likely to suffer from wheezing than those who used the least of these types of products.

“These household chemicals used to clean or freshen the air may actually damage the lungs of a developing baby while in utero,” says Mrs. Boden.

A foetus can have positive allergy tests to such things as cats and dust mites by 22 weeks, she adds. The higher the level of exposure to certain allergens from 22 weeks until the baby is six months old, the greater the chance of developing asthma or allergies.

Here are a few tips to keeping yourself healthy and your household clean if you are planning a baby: Make sure no one is smoking in the home or work environment.

Avoid bars and restaurants where smoking is allowed.

Clean the home with natural products such as vinegar and water, baking soda and water, a damp mop, or a Swiffer mop, and a vacuum cleaner.

Do not use any fresh air sprays or plug-in air fresheners. Do not use Clorox or bleach in the toilet bowl.

Open windows in every room, every day- whatever the weather. Have household plants, which will release oxygen and absorb toxic vapours.

Do not walk along busy roads when traffic is heavy and try not to breathe vehicle exhaust fumes. Instead walk in the parks, along the trails and on beaches.

Do not use hairspray or nail varnishes during pregnancy and do not colour your hair.

Many of these precautions should also be followed after giving birth to continue to lessen the chances of childhood asthma and allergies.

“We have a high standard of living in Bermuda with homes filled with carpets, settees with cushions, drapes and children have dozens of stuffed toys. These all encourage dust mites and moulds, which are major allergic triggers,” Ms Boden says.

She advises that people who have a family history of asthma or allergies should take special care with their household environment. Bedroom carpets should be removed or at least professionally cleaned at 20 weeks and 38 weeks of pregnancy and they should be vacuumed at least twice a week.

But she advises people not to use a soft vacuum bag, which spreads dust mites. The asthma specialist adds that any unnecessary pillows, cushions and stuffed animals be removed from the bedroom.

Cover the necessary pillows and mattresses with dust mite covers. Keep your children’s rooms as simple as possible, she advises.

Make breathing easier in your home