Safe to relax afro hair when pregnant?

[Peasandyoghurt]

Does anybody know is it safe to use chemical relaxer? I'm currently 14 weeks and haven't relaxed for about 5 months now - with the result of a good couple of inches of re-growth and a real mess of a mop. I heard it was ok to do after 1st trimester, but also that you should never use it - and elsewhere that it's fine.

What's the mumsnet consensus? x

[ThreeForTea]

Hiya I used a kids relaxer just in case while pregnant. Main concerns is that your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, so be more careful that it doesn't touch scalp, secondly need to be careful about the fumes - this is the only part that could harm the baby and not just you, make sure the room is well aerated. Thirdly concern is that your actual hair might be different and react differently, so do a strand test if concerned about that. Other than those things you should be fine.

[TheRealMrsSmith]

I've always continued to relax my hair whilst pregnant, and am planning to do mine tomorrow (11 weeks pg DC4). Second what Three says about using a childrens relaxer, due to the texture of my hair I always use a child's relaxed kit.