| There is nothing like a new haircut or hair color, or | | | | dislodge clots if the pressure of the massage is too |
| pedicure and manicure to make you feel like a new | | | | deep. The temperature of your foot bath should not |
| woman. Especially when a pregnancy can leave you | | | | be too hot. Again, your polish should be formaldehyde |
| feeling tired and changing hormones can make you | | | | and toluene free if possible. |
| feel not quite yourself. But are these treatments safe | | | | Essential Oils |
| for your developing baby? Exposure to certain | | | | Some essential oils known as emmenagogues can |
| environmental agents called teratogens during | | | | encourage menstruation and should be avoided during |
| pregnancy can cause birth defects. Experts are | | | | the first trimester. Make sure your pedicure technician |
| divided on how much exposure is too much but at this | | | | knows which herbal oils are safe. |
| time there are no proven risks for most salon visits | | | | Hair Dye |
| and there are many things you can do to help minimize | | | | Experts disagree on how much dye may be absorbed |
| any potential problems. | | | | by the body and there are many doctors who think |
| Nails | | | | it’s perfectly fine to get your hair dyed during |
| Reducing your exposure to fumes is the most | | | | pregnancy. You might want to be on the safe side and |
| important thing you can do when getting a manicure. | | | | just get your hair frosted, highlighted or streaked |
| Ask your manicurist to do your nails in a well ventilated | | | | where there is minimal contact with your scalp. Be |
| area and ask her to tightly cap all solvent bottles. Your | | | | wary of natural dyes that can still contain synthetic |
| nail polish should be formaldehyde and toluene free if | | | | chemicals. Pure vegetable henna can be an alternative |
| possible. There is a small risk of blood-borne infections | | | | but not everybody will want a red-orange hue. If you |
| such as HIV or hepatitis being transferred by | | | | do choose to have your hair dyed, be aware that |
| non-sterile equipment through nicks in the cuticle. When | | | | changing hormones can affect the way the dye |
| getting acrylic nails, make sure your nail technician is | | | | affects your hair color. |
| careful about minimizing the skin contact with the liquids | | | | Tanning Beds |
| used. Be most careful when in the first trimester. | | | | You should definitely pass on this salon treatment. |
| Pedicures | | | | Excessive heat exposure is dangerous for your |
| Pedicure massages, especially when focused on | | | | pregnancy and over exposure to UV light can interfere |
| reflex points on the feet can trigger labor. Avoid any | | | | with your immune system. There are salons and day |
| kind of foot massage during the first trimester. Also | | | | spas that cater exclusively to pregnant women. For |
| avoid ankle massages even during the second and | | | | peace of mind, you may want to find a salon that |
| third trimester. Blood clots are six times more common | | | | understands your special needs during your pregnancy. |
| in pregnant women. Foot and leg massages can | | | | |