When you think about pregnancy safety, the first things that come to mind are usually food and medicine. But did you know that many everyday household products can also affect your health during pregnancy? From the cleaning spray you keep under the sink to the toothpaste you use every morning, there are hidden ingredients that might not be the best choice for moms-to-be.
The truth is, it is not always easy to tell what is safe and what is not. Labels can be tricky, and some products that look harmless may have chemicals or additives that doctors suggest avoiding. That is why more and more moms are turning to tools like an ingredient checker, pregnancy ingredient checker, or even a skincare scanner to make sure what they are using is safe.
Let’s take a look at some surprising places where unsafe ingredients might be hiding.
Cleaning Sprays and Household Cleaners
Most of us use cleaning sprays almost every day without thinking twice. While it is important to keep your home clean, especially when you are preparing for a baby, some cleaning products can contain strong chemicals. Ingredients like ammonia, bleach, or harsh fragrances can cause irritation or even breathing problems if used in small, unventilated areas.
Doctors often recommend that moms choose fragrance-free and plant-based cleaners whenever possible. But even if something says “eco-friendly” on the label, it is smart to run it through an ingredient scanner to double-check what is inside.
Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Toothpaste seems like the last thing you would need to worry about, but some contain ingredients that may not be ideal for pregnancy. Whitening toothpastes, for example, can include peroxide, which is not considered unsafe in tiny amounts but can be irritating when used regularly. Certain mouthwashes may also contain alcohol or strong antibacterial chemicals that you might want to avoid while pregnant.
This does not mean you should stop brushing your teeth. Dental health is very important during pregnancy, but it is worth using a pregnancy ingredient checker to confirm that your toothpaste and mouthwash are safe.
Body Wash and Lotions
Most moms know to check skincare products for ingredients like retinoids or parabens, but body wash and lotions often get overlooked. These products cover your whole body, which means more skin exposure. Some contain artificial fragrances, formaldehyde releasers, or even hidden essential oils that may not be good during pregnancy.
A dermatologist might tell you to look for simple, fragrance-free options, but since ingredient lists can be long and confusing, the fastest way is to scan them with a skincare scanner. That way you can see right away if anything should be avoided.
Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizer is something most of us carry around now, but not all formulas are the same. Some contain high levels of alcohol, which can be drying and irritating to already sensitive pregnancy skin. Others include fragrance or additional chemicals. While most occasional use is fine, moms who use it several times a day might want to switch to a gentler formula and confirm safety with an ingredient checker.
Pantry Items That Might Surprise You
Even some pantry items, like cooking sprays or certain flavored teas, can have ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy. Herbal teas, for example, can include blends with herbs like sage or licorice root, which doctors sometimes tell moms to limit. Checking labels in the pantry is just as important as checking skincare bottles in the bathroom.
How SafeMom Helps Moms Stay Informed
The biggest challenge is that you cannot memorize every ingredient that might be harmful. That is why SafeMom was built. With the SafeMom app you can:
- Scan any product with our ingredient checker
- Use the pregnancy ingredient checker to confirm if everyday items are safe
- Check beauty, cleaning, and pantry products with the ingredient scanner
- Rely on the skincare scanner to quickly review lotions, body wash, and personal care products
Instead of worrying or trying to Google every ingredient, you get peace of mind in seconds.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is already full of questions, and moms should not have to feel stressed about everyday products in their home. Cleaning sprays, toothpaste, body wash, and even pantry items can all contain surprising ingredients worth checking. By learning what to look for and using SafeMom’s ingredient tools, you can shop, clean, and live with confidence.
💡 Download SafeMom today and start scanning the products in your pantry and vanity with the pregnancy ingredient checker. Stay safe and feel reassured every step of the way.
