Hair dye, nail reconstruction and wellness treatments during pregnancy: can they be done?

Not all beauty treatments can be done during pregnancy, much depends on the substances used or the environments (such as the sauna).

Hair dye during pregnancy

This is a really recurring question. Unfortunately there are few scientific studies on hair dyes in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), states that the studies carried out are reassuring and that the tincture has not caused any changes in pregnancy.

Pregnant women are always advised to be cautious, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, when organogenesis is taking place (the organs and systems of the baby are in formation). Hair dyes usually contain ammonia and resorcinol which can be absorbed by the body and thus reach the fetus. I would also avoid hydrogen peroxide.

What to avoid

• Hair dyes especially in the first trimester.
• Perms and straightening.

What is allowed

• Plant-based hair dyes and henna. They are natural dyes.
• Yes to sunstroke. These do not come into contact with the scalp if done correctly.

Nail reconstruction during pregnancy

There is a significant risk associated with the presence of chemical substances contained in the enamels used for reconstruction.

In addition, allergic contact dermatitis is common.

To have tidy hands during pregnancy and above all for the fashion of recent years, gel nail reconstruction is often used.

From a purely medical point of view, the nails can absorb the chemicals used and these reach the fetus through the placenta.

Beauticians claim that it is absolutely not harmful, both gel and acrylic nail coverage. The only discomfort may be the nausea from the strong smell of the used liquid.

• keep the gel nails clean and the length should not exceed the fingertip.
• remove gel nails and polish a few weeks before giving birth.

Sauna, turkish bath, whirlpool

I believe that all pregnant women, with the weight of their belly, the fatigue, the desire to relax imagine themselves in a hot tub.

Surely this is something I recommend if rice or corn starch is dissolved in the water, if drops of lavender essential oil are placed and if the tub is surrounded by scented candles. Bathing in the tub is absolutely safe because the temperature usually does not exceed 37°C, which is the same temperature as the baby in the amniotic fluid.

On the other hand, excesses must be avoided:  a too hot bath leads to vasodilation of the lower and upper limbs and therefore a lowering of blood pressure.

When you get out of the water, this pressure rises and these sudden changes are harmful to the circulation of the placenta.

Therefore avoid sauna and turkish bath.

I recommend the thermal water. It is a good solution for those who feel their uterus contracting in any quarter (provided there is no bleeding or threat of miscarriage): thermal water improves the situation because it relaxes muscles and ligaments.

While the hydromassage is very good for circulation, it stimulates the lymphatic system, reduces swelling and heaviness in the legs. The jet of water can therefore be directed either to the legs or to the lumbar and cervical tract of the back to dissolve contractures.

A few simple precautions:

• The water pressure should be light.
• The temperature should not exceed 33 degrees.
• The bath should last a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes.
• Do not spray directly on the belly.

Draining massages

If the pregnancy is physiological, I believe that a massage can only give the mother so many benefits. There are massages that can be done for the entire duration of pregnancy, others that should be postponed after childbirth or breastfeeding.

Massage is useful because it improves circulation, prevents swelling and back pain.

My recommendations are:

• Talk to your midwife about it. some massages are to be avoided in the first trimester and in the event of ailments and pathologies, a massage that is suitable for that mother is recommended.
• On the belly only touches.
• No belly down. Pregnancy massages are done on the side.

These massages can be done, but only by professionals who are experts in pregnant women’s massages:

• LYMPHODRAINAGE : it’s a massage that moves the liquids that accumulate in the spaces between the cells.
• SHIATSU : it is a massage based on finger pressure on certain points of the body, called meridians, which are connected to the various organs of our body. During pregnancy there may be blocks of energy, which can cause disturbances such as nausea, constipation, back pain, swollen legs, insomnia, constipation.
• AYURVEDIC : Ayurvedic massage is good for relaxation during pregnancy, dissolves muscle tension, improves posture, drains liquids and is anti-cellulite. As a precaution, it is done after the first trimester.
• ANTI-CELLULITE MASSAGE : it is a massage concentrated on the lower limbs.