bit of a MAD question i know...

[glittercaz]

but is it ok to use both fake tans and cellulite cream in pregnancy, or an i destined to remain white and dimpled?! I know this sounds SO vain, but I'm thinking specifically about one that haven't been around that long - Johnson's Holiday Skin and Dove firming lotion. Both packed full of chemicals, so just wondering.....

I would actively encourage use! Especially before birth, to stop you feeling like a bag of poo afterwards.

I've heard about nailvarnish, even lipstick, getting bad press during pregnancy. Its not as though you're smoking 20 marlboroughs and sinking a bottle of scotch!

You go ahead. Pregnancy is unglamorous enough!

Personally I avoided fake tan during preg and when bf.

Not seen any "advice" on the topic though so do what you feel is right for you

id avoid fake tan over the nipple area whilst bf but i think its a great idea whilst pg. nothing gives you a boost more to your self esteem

Here is what NHS direct say -

Is it safe to use fake tan during pregnancy? Fake tanning lotions and sprays are a popular and safer alternative to spending time in the sun to get a tan.
The active ingredient in fake tan is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It is a non-toxic substance that reacts with cells in the outermost layer of the skin and produces a brown pigment (colour) called melanoidin. The outer skin cells are already dead, and are shed as the skin constantly renews itself. This is why fake tan needs to be regularly re-applied to maintain the colour. The DHA doesn't go beyond the outer layer of skin and therefore isn't absorbed into the body.
Although there are no known dangers of using tanning lotions, they can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. For this reason, it's advisable not to use fake tan during pregnancy, as changes in hormone levels can make the skin more sensitive than normal. If you do use fake tan, always test the product on a small area of skin first to see if you have a reaction.
Although some fake tans contain sun protection, the SPF (sun protection factor) is usually very low. Increased skin sensitivity when pregnant can mean you're more likely to burn, so use a high protection cream (minimum 15) and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Tanning pills are banned in the UK and should not be used by anyone, including pregnant women. They contain large quantities of beta-carotene or canthaxanthin, which are commonly used as food colourings and can be toxic to an unborn baby. Other side effects may include hepatitis and damage to the retina, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Quick question.... what about nail varnish, actually?? I must have been reading the bad press .... but I just cannot see it being dangerous?? My doctor has never heard about it.... and I'd looove to be able to look at my feet again (without disgust)!

Also, what about waxing.... is that ok??

Is nail varnish safe to use in pregnancy?

As far as I'm aware, there has been no research done in the UK on the use of nail polish or remover in pregnancy. In the US, a report appeared in December 2000 by the Environmental Working Group (an environmental campaign group) that said that because some nail varnishes contain the chemical dibutyl phthalate, they should be avoided whilst trying to conceive, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is because this chemical has been found to cause birth defects, especially in the male reproductive system, in laboratory animals. The cosmetic industry has disputed these effects, and the US Food and Drug Administration, along with other regulatory bodies in North America and Europe, allows the use of phthalates. However, organisations like Greenpeace are concerned about their use. I would advise caution when using any man-made chemicals in pregnancy. If you must wear nail polish, limit its use to special occasions, after 12 weeks of pregnancy when your baby will be fully developed. Although there's no specific information on nail polish remover, it's quite a noxious substance, which again I would avoid for the first few weeks.

Is it safe to have a bikini or leg wax in pregnancy?

Sally Sago answers:
Hair growth increases for some women during pregnancy, and it can be a source of embarrassment or annoyance. This increased growth may not only be underarm, pubic and leg hair, but abdominal and facial hair, too.

There does not appear to be any evidence to show that waxing is unsafe in pregnancy and many women continue their usual regular waxing programme.

The only advice to add is that your skin may become more sensitive in pregnancy, so perhaps re-testing your usual depilatory product on a small area is a good idea. Always read the directions on any brands you buy for home use and remember to tell beauty therapists you are pregnant if you go to a salon.

Possibly the biggest problem with waxing in pregnancy is that, towards the end, of pregnancy it can be difficult to reach, or even see, certain body parts. This is the time to treat yourself to a full salon treatment. If done in the last few weeks of pregnancy, it will last well into the early days of parenthood, when you may be a little pre-occupied with other things.

If it helps I had regular manicures and pedicures during my first pregnancy with no problems and continued to do so during this pregnancy.

Just had a wax today (39 weeks) and can report it didn't hurt anymore than usual !

HTH

thank you ladies for the fake tan info...presume cellulite cream ok as well. xxx

Incy - wow, many thanks!!!! good to hear about the waxing, I was a bit worried.... but would love to go b4 giving birth (ohh that vanity!!!!)

Nail polish.... tricky one. Would love to avoid all chemicals, but nails just look so....naked!!

There in nothing wrong with a bit of vanity and as I have said I certainly didn't avoid nail varnish in either pregnancy. I can't see my toes but I would like them to look nice when we are reunited next week !

How about hairdressers then? i've heard that if you have highlights the chemicals get into your body through skin and blah blah...what do you think?

I was about to ask the same question re hair? I have dark hair and have roots done..as im going grey!! Is that ok? Or ask hairdresser?

highlights are fine, its stuff that touches scalp (ie all over colour) that isnt for the first 3 months.

or so my hairdresser says

OK cool thanks, i'm already 3 mths and only having half head highlights done so should be ok

I'm having my hair done in July and as far as my hairdresser was aware there are no problems (of course she isn't a health professional) I painted my nails through all my pregnancies with no problems other than reaching my toes, although perhaps the smell could get a bit much if you did it for a long time. I have used fake tan on my legs as well, but I usually can't be bothered with it.

I asked my hairdressers about doing my hair and she said that when she was training to not ever dye someones hair when pregnant. I don't usually dye mine anyway but thought i'd say what I was told.

I had my hair bleached a few weeks ago, when i was about 9 weeks pg! No one mentioned anything about not doing it whilst pg, but then again, i didn't mention it either!

The only thing i've heard is that a perm wont take as well if you're pg (or you should avoid them - one of hte two!).

Erk.

Just found this:

"In most cases, bleaching or dying the hair during pregnancy is fine, as long as you've tested to make sure you haven't developed a sensitivity to the haircolor or bleaching agent. If the patch test shows any degree of sensitivity, then don't have the process."

OK this is what i found on NHS direct:
The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. Most research, although limited, does show that it is safe to colour your hair while pregnant. Some studies have found that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm ? however, these doses are massive in comparison to the very low amount of chemicals that a woman colouring her hair is exposed to.
Many women decide to wait to dye their hair until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower. You can reduce the risk further by making sure that (if you are colouring your hair yourself) you wear gloves, leave the dye on for the minimum time, and work in a well-ventilated room.
Highlighting your hair also reduces any risk, as the chemicals used are only absorbed by the hair itself, and not by your scalp and into your bloodstream. Semi-permanent pure vegetable dyes, such as henna, are a safe alternative.
Do remember that pregnancy can affect the normal condition of your hair. Your hair may react differently to colouring or perming, becoming more or less absorbent, frizzy or unpredictable. It?s always a good idea to do a strand test first using the treatment(s) you intend to use. Speak to your hairdresser for advice.

Sorted.

OK so i've bleached my hair (not foils) when baby was 9 weeks old. Have i damaged baby?