Pregnancy Pampering: What's Safe, What's Not

Nothing takes the edge off a stressy, exhausting, I-hate-my-cankles kinda day like a little preggo primping. But you've likely heard some scary rumors -- hair dye causes birth defects, pedicures trigger labor -- that may have you thinking twice about your next spa session. What's urban legend and what's fact? "There are so many myths about what's unsafe; it's hard to know what to believe," says Karen Boyle, MD, an assistant professor of urology, obstetrics, and gynecology at Johns Hopkins Hospital (and who's 34 weeks along herself). Here's the myth-busting truth about booking that rubdown, mani-pedi, and more.

"Massage is a fantastic thing during pregnancy," says Boyle. "It helps soothe stress, improve circulation, and ease aches and pains, but it's important that the therapist be knowledgeable about pregnancy body changes." If you want to lie on your belly, look for spas that offer special cut-out tables, otherwise you'll likely be on your side. Prone to nausea? Fess up. Your therapist may opt to use unscented oil (it's less likely to trigger a bathroom run). Lastly, watch out for this red flag: Places that require a doctor's note. It could be a sign they're not comfortable handling pregnant women.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule in any trimester.

If you're thinking of brightening your grin, take a pregnant pause. "Because of the lack of available subjects, teeth whitening has never been studied for safety during pregnancy, so dental scientists do not know if whitening is safe or unsafe for pregnant women," says Mickey Bernstein, DDS, president-elect of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. "Since it's an elective treatment, it is logical just to wait until after delivery." What's more, your gums may be more sensitive and prone to bleeding due to hormonal shifts, and for some women, whitening may further irritate these sensitive areas.

Bottom line: Skip it.

Hands down, the experts we talked to all felt that mani-pedis are totally fine for preggos. "Your nails are growing and getting stronger now, so take advantage," says Boyle. Though polish does contain trace amounts of harsh chemicals, they're not absorbed by your nail beds and have never been linked to birth defects in babies, she says. A likelier problem: Nausea, if the salon's not well-ventilated. "Some of those fumes are pretty strong, so ask to sit by the door or a window if you get queasy easily," she advises.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule in any trimester.

If taking a dip relaxes you, skip the Jacuzzi and dunk your bump in a (warm, not super-hot) bathtub instead. "We know increased core temperature is linked to birth defects, especially in the first trimester," says Susan Hollander, CNM and ob-gyn nurse-practitioner. Most hot tubs are easily over 100 degrees, plus you're usually completely submerged from the neck down. "But baths aren't as hot to begin with, and at least your arms, knees, and shoulders are sticking out, so your overall temperature doesn't climb to those dangerous levels." Avoid steam rooms and saunas too -- the excess heat and steam can also make you more wobbly than usual, and your balance isn't exactly what it was pre-pg.

Bottom line: Skip it.

Wondering what happened to that so-called pregnant glow everyone talks about? There's no way to predict how your skin will change over these nine months, and a facial can be a great way to help adjust to differences in texture and moisture, says Boyle. "But your complexion may be a lot more sensitive now, so you definitely want to skip harsh peels and microdermabrasion." As with massage, make sure your aesthetician knows if you have any major smell aversions. And once you're past the first trimester, ask to be propped up with pillows so you're not lying flat on your back -- this position can slow circulation and make you feel dizzy.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule if you skip harsh peels and microdermabrasion. Also, ask to be propped up in trimesters 2 and 3.

This should be on your no-no list already, but in case it's not, take an extended break from this naughty habit. If skin cancer isn't enough of a reason to avoid tanning booths, intense UV exposure may also accelerate skin discoloration during pregnancy. You might experience some discoloration during pregnancy naturally (thanks to all those many hormonal changes) but why make it worse, right? And it gets pretty hot under those lamps too, which you already know can be dangerous for your baby. If you're craving some sunshine, then step outside for a little natural light -- slathered in sunscreen (at least SPF 15), of course.

Bottom line: Skip it.

Whether you plan to sneak in a session before you jet-set off on your babymoon or want to make sure everything's looking good down there for D-day, waxing while expecting is totally fine -- if you're used to it. "Very intense pain -- especially late in pregnancy -- can prompt contractions, which is not good if you're not yet past 37 weeks," says Lillian Schapiro, MD, an Atlanta-based ob-gyn. "So I certainly would not book a Brazilian for the first time if you've never had one before." Another FYI: Your sensitive skin may also be more prone to irritation, so you might want to pencil in your appointment a day or two before you plan to hit the beach.

Bottom line: Safe to schedule in trimesters 1 and 2. Know your pain tolerance for trimester 3!

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