slug SLUG as they grow PREGNANCY
tables, and massage of your ankle bones
or the webbing between the thumb and
index finger, because these are acupuncture points that can stimulate the uterine
muscles. Finally, skip most essential oils
(such as cedarwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, juniper, rosemary, and frankincense), which contain compounds that
can behave similarly to hormones, possibly causing vaginal bleeding.
QA &
Some of my mommy friends insist
that eating certain foods while I’m
pregnant will make my baby smarter.
Is there really any truth to that?
Q Can I dye my hair? A You can highlight your hair anytime
because the chemicals won’t touch your
scalp. However, hair dye, which is applied
directly to the scalp to cover your roots,
might be absorbed into your body and
could potentially cause a birth defect. So
wait until after the first trimester, when
the chemical risk for birth defects is lower,
to dye your hair (same goes for getting a
perm, a relaxer, or Japanese hair straightening). If you must dye those roots in the
first trimester, use a vegetable-based dye
that’s free of ammonia or peroxides.
Research suggests that consuming a diet high in omega- 3 fatty acids can boost
fetal brain development. The March of Dimes recommends that expecting
mothers get at least 200 milligrams of DHA (an omega- 3 that’s particularly
important for brain health) every day. Fish are among the richest sources.
“Salmon is typically very low in mercury, so it’s a great choice during pregnancy,”
says Suzanne Farrell, R. D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic
Association. Other good options: trout, cod, and light canned tuna. Don’t
overdo it: The FDA recommends that you consume no more than 12 ounces
per week and avoid high-mercury sources such as swordfish and tilefish. Not a
fish fan? Try walnuts, flax seeds, omega-3-enriched eggs, or soybeans.
defects in large amounts. (If you use an
antiwrinkle cream, check the label—most
contain vitamin A or one of its derivatives, making them a no-no as well.)
Prescription antibiotics—including oral
or topical clindamycin and erythromycin-based creams and gels—may be safe, but
check with your doctor about them first.
Tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocy-cline are off-limits, because they can
adversely affect an unborn baby’s teeth.
If nothing seems to help, a steroid
cream, which is safe to apply while you’re
pregnant, can reduce a pimple’s redness
and irritation. Try an OTC 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, or ask your doctor
for a slightly higher strength.
painful during pregnancy because your
skin increases in sensitivity. Avoid hair-removal or bleaching creams—they can
be absorbed through your skin and could
potentially be harmful to your baby. Laser
hair removal is also a no-no because
the procedure can cause pigmentation
changes—and be extremely painful.
Q Is it safe to get
my teeth whitened?
A Unfortunately, no. Elevated hormone
levels during pregnancy increase tooth
sensitivity and can cause gum swelling,
and the bleach in whiteners can aggravate this condition. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recommends
waiting to whiten until you’ve finished
breastfeeding. That said, continue to
brush, floss, and have regular dental visits.
Studies have linked poor dental hygiene
with a higher risk of preterm births.
Q Help, I’ve got acne!
A Ugh, zits. You can treat the affected
areas with products containing salicylic
acid, benzoyl peroxide, or finacea. But
because salicylic acid is potentially dangerous to a baby when absorbed into the
bloodstream in large amounts, stick to
small spot treatments.
Avoid products with retin A or retinol;
both contain high levels of vitamin A,
which has been shown to cause birth
Q What about
fake tanning?
A Spray-on tans and bottled self-tanners temporarily stain only the skin’s
surface, so they’re safe. Avoid tanning
beds, which emit UVA and UVB rays,
putting you at risk for skin cancer.
Q Is it okay to go
get a manicure?
A You’ve probably found that your nails
are growing at a freakishly fast rate. It’s
fine to get regular mani/pedis—just take
a few precautions. Make sure the room is
well ventilated; salons can contain high
levels of fumes that you shouldn’t be inhaling. It’s best to bring your own instruments, and wait 24 hours after shaving to
reduce your risk of infection from dirty
tools and wash basins. Also consider using phthalate-free nail polish. We don’t
know whether these chemicals can affect
your unborn baby, but since there are alternatives, why not use one? Try L’Oréal
Jet Set enamel or Urban Decay, both of
which will leave you looking fabulous.
Q How can I get rid
of unwanted hair?
A Shaving is your best bet (sit while
doing your legs to avoid slipping).
Waxing is also safe, but it can be more
Excerpted with permission from the publisher,
Windsor Peak Press, from Expecting 411: Clear Advice
& Smart Answers for Your Pregnancy. Copyright ©
2010 by Michele Hakakha M. D., and Ari Brown, M. D.
Available in bookstores or at expecting411.com.
170 June 2010 Parents
