lifestyle and beauty

Pregnancy can bring with it a brand-new set of beauty concerns. Is it safe to tan? Can I use a certain moisture cream?

There is a huge variety of skin changes you may experience during pregnancy. Skin changes, like so many other pregnancy changes, are attributed to hormones.

During pregnancy, liposuction is not considered safe. The first concern comes from the use of general anesthesia. Other concerns regard the fact that liposuction involves getting rid of fatty deposits which are needed during and after pregnancy.

Perming requires longer processing time and thus a greater risk of chemical absorption through the scalp and into the bloodstream and thus come in contact with the fetus. Pregnancy hormones also make perming while pregnant a bad idea.

Wearing contacts during pregnancy is a safe choice as long as the pregnant woman does not choose to order a new contact prescription during pregnancy. Some pregnant women have trouble with dry eyes during pregnancy. Certain eye drops contain ingredients considered unsafe during pregnancy.

When choosing scented oils during pregnancy, it is important to understand which oils are considered safe for use during pregnancy and which should be avoided until after giving birth.

The chemicals used in perfume are typically thought to be safe for use during pregnancy. Using a chemical based perfume during pregnancy may not be the best choice. Application of perfume directly to the skin may cause irritation for some women.

While laser skin treatments are not thought to effect the fetus, skin-numbing solutions used to reduce pain associated with the procedure can leech into the bloodstream and negatively effect the growing. Such solutions are thus are not to be used during pregnancy. 

Some women will have no skin change during pregnancy and find they are able to wear rings, earrings and necklaces throughout fetal gestation. Others may see changes in skin reaction and experience irritation to the metals in jewelry. Swelling is another concern for wearing jewelry.

Hydrotherapy is the term used for water treatments or water cures, also known as submersion hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy for aches and pains, often associated with spas, can be safe during pregnancy as long as water temperatures are kept cool. Hydrotherapy for colon cleansing is not considered safe during pregnancy.

Makeup tattoos are no different from traditional tattoos and pose the same risks of infection. Pregnant women should steer clear of the tattooing process during pregnancy in order to eliminate the risk of HIV or Hepatitis B infection.

Pedicures are a safe and healthy way for a woman to feel beautiful during her pregnancy. Tools used during the pedicure should be sterilized prior to use in order to prevent infection.The room should also be well vetiliated to reduce odors and fumes.

Manicures are considered safe during pregnancy as long as the manicurist
uses tools that have been sterilized between clients and the room is well ventilated. At home manicures are a healthy alternative to salon-based
services. Acrylic nails are not typically advised during pregnancy.

Thermage and Mesotherapy are two distinct beauty treatments that work to reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles and body fat. Thermage involves simultaneous heating and cooling of the skin while Mesotherapy uses injected chemicals and / or herbs to melt away layers of fat. Neither procedure is approved for use during pregnancy.

The application of porcelain veneers is considered safe during pregnancy. The only known side effect of pregnancy that could cause an expecting woman to put off veneer application is that gums become more sensitive due to increased blood volume.

Waxing is considered safe during pregnancy for most expecting mothers. However, swelling, increased sensitivity and skin irritation can make waxing more harmful than beneficial in some cases.

Having a pregnancy massage should involve a trained massage therapist
with certification in the field of pregnancy massage. Special equipment
is also needed for pregnant women.  

With so many concerns about manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and
massages, it seems more appropriate to consider home spa treatments in
place of salon treatments which can be more sanity and convenient and tend to cost less.

Hair extensions are typically applied to strands of hair with hair glue, which is not safe to use during pregnancy. An alternative to gluing in hair extensions is the braiding process which, while safe during pregnancy, can lead to hair loss.

Discoloration of skin, acne and breakouts, are common during pregnancy due to pregnancy hormones. Skin that is discolored or affected by acne can be smoothed with the use of a chemical facial peel which works by removing the outermost layers of skin.

Electrology is the practice of using electricity to remove unwanted hairs. With electrology there are two methods that are mainly used: galvanic and thermolysis. The galvanic method is unsafe to use during pregnancy; the thermolysis method may be safe to use.

The most common ingredients in energy drinks are caffeine, taurine,
Guarana, B vitamins, ginseng, Gingko Biloba, L-Carnitine, sugar,
antioxidants, yerba mate, creatine, Glucuronolactone and milk thistle,
most of which are considered potentially harmful during pregnancy.

Collagen injections are typically used to create fuller looking lips. The effect of collagen injections on pregnancy has not been tested, which means the procedure is not approved for women who are pregnant or women who are trying to become pregnant.

Diet pills typically contain stimulants that increase heart rate in order to achieve higher calorie burns throughout the day. Diet pills are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not safe for use during pregnancy.

Melasma, or red, splotchy skin, is often referred to as the “pregnancy mask”. While dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are effective treatments of melasma, they are not considered safe to use during pregnancy.

Cellulite is the collection of fat under the skin. Cellulite creams may
seem like an effective and safe way to reduce the look of cellulite,
but the main ingredients – Methylxanthines – are not considered safe to
use during pregnancy.

Botox can be used to reverse the signs of aging by relaxing muscles at the site of injection. Typically, cosmetic surgeons use Botox on the face to remove wrinkles and fine lines. During pregnancy, using Botox is not approve.

Anti-aging creams are included on the list of beauty treatments that are considered unsafe to use during pregnancy. This is because of the fact that most anti-aging creams include high doses of vitamin A.

Body wraps involve the application of heated towels or wraps to specific areas of the body to melt away fat and treat aches and pains. They are not safe during pregnancy because there is no way to regulate how high body temperature will rise.

When dehydrated, a white coated tongue can appear. Typically, white coated tongue is caused by a layer of bacteria or dead cells on the surface of the tongue. The condition is most often nothing to worry about and will go away with proper brushing and hydration.