Products to use during pregnancy

lippy1923

Afternoon All.

I'm really confused so would appreciate any advice or recommendations.

I have been reading up online about safe products to use when pregnant and I'm at a loss as to what's true and what isn't. Some websites suggest you can go about your normal routine, use the usual shampoos/conditioners/body wash and just don't worry. Others suggest otherwise.
I've also heard that make-up can be harmful as well.

Can anyone tell me what I could use? Money is not an issue if it will keep the baby safe.
Any other products I should avoid?

What have you Mums used in the past and what did you stay away from?

Sorry to ramble but it seems researching the internet has left me in a bit of a worrying state with no further clues as to what's ok to use.
Any links, tips, advice or personal experiences would really be helpful.

Thanks in advance

j.e.j.

You need to avoid bergamot, and certain foods that might have a slightly higher risk of you getting food poisoning, like raw fish, etc. But apart from that I don't think there's much you need to do differently. It's always worth using natural products, whether you're pregnant or not, imo.

Toothsmith

The problem with any product is that in order to be able to say they are 'safe' to use in pregnancy,you have to do testing and trials on pregnant women in order to be able to state this categorically.

This is phenomenally expensive to do,and the amount of testing and research that needs to be done before you'd ever get approval to do it on pregnant humans is prohibative.

It is much easier for companies just to put 'untested in pregnancy' or something similar and let people make their own mind up.

This, of course, can lead to confusion if people don't know how the 'sysyem' operates and seeing 'untested' on a product can be confused with 'unsafe'.

If something has actually been shown to carry a risk, then that will be clearly marked. Otherwise, just be sensible.

clear_as_mud

Can't say I know much about this or have experience as I have never been pregnant but I found this link..

http://www.ninenaturals.com/

Not sure if this is the sort of stuff you are looking for but have a look.

Fire_Fox

What has your medical team advised? I would say just use ranges specifically marketed at pregnant mums and babies.

lippy1923

Thanks for the replies. I didn't really think of it like that but it makes sense. If anything was particularly harmful it would most likely say.

I haven't been advised anything, not even to take folic acid which I thought was odd (although I am doing this on my own anyway).

Just think I need to stop worrying so much

notanewuser

Don't get neurotic. You can dye your hair, wash, use face masks and swim etc as normal when pregnant. There are a few essential oils you need to avoid, but that's not difficult to be honest.

barbiedoll

I work in midwifery and the reason that no-one has advised you to take folic acid is because research has shown that the most effective time to take it is at least 3 months before conception and for the first 3 months of pregnancy. By the time most women have seen their midwife for the first time for their booking appointment, it is too late to start taking it if they have not already done so. Well done for taking it anyway!

There are no "official" guidelines about cosmetics in pregnancy, there was some concern about hair dye a few years ago, no research has shown any link between hair dye and harm to babies but your hormones can play havoc with your hair and skin and any colourant may affect your hair differently if you are pregnant. The same applies to make-up, creams and lotions, you may develop an irritation to a product that you have previously used without any problems.

But there's no need to stop wearing lippy or mascara. Make the most of it, by the time that your baby is here, you won't have time to even think about make-up!
Good luck with your pregnancy!

Toothsmith

lippy1923 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I didn't really think of it like that but it makes sense. If anything was particularly harmful it would most likely say.

I haven't been advised anything, not even to take folic acid which I thought was odd (although I am doing this on my own anyway).

Just think I need to stop worrying so much

Folic acid would really only make a difference in the first few days after conception. By the time you realise you're pregnant, there isn't really any benefit to taking it.

It's the sort of thing that you might take if you were planning to get pregnant, as it can cut down the risk of spina bifida, but the benefit is only in the earliest stages.

I wouldn't worry if you didn't take it this early though, as for one, spina bifida is a very rare condition, and secondly, a lot of breakfast cereals, and even bread (I think) are fortified with folic acid now for just this purpose.

System

Taking folic acid can prevent 70% of cases of spina bifida:

http://www.gofolic.co.uk/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ng1j9

As you say, it needs to be taken before conception.

maddeningly

Well the way I look at it is the placenta strips away as much product that the baby doesn't need as possible and takes all the good things it needs. Its unlikely that any product that you use externally will even reach the placenta. Just use your common sense and make your own decisions - you can drive yourself demented if you try and follow every piece of advice x