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| |    Beauty Treatments During Pregnancy by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed and revised by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. Chances are good that you've heard the comment that pregnant women have a certain glow and look particularly beautiful. During your own pregnancy, however, there probably will be times when you feel about as beautiful as an overinflated beach ball, or are in dire need of a pick-me-up. For some women, the cavalry comes in the form of beauty treatments. While there are a lot of rumors about the risks of different treatments during pregnancy-as well as the effects of pregnancy on the success of the treatment-here are some of the facts. Coloring and perming your hair If you routinely color or perm your hair, you may find yourself wondering if it is safe now that you are pregnant. Unfortunately, this isn't an easy question to answer. Both processes involve putting chemicals on your hair that are applied directly to your scalp. Small amounts of the chemicals do get into your bloodstream. In animal studies, hair chemicals have been linked to birth defects, but they appear to happen only with a significantly larger exposure than you get with routine hair treatment. Most research, albeit limited, does show that it is safe to color and perm your hair while pregnant. Based on common sense, however, doctors often suggest waiting until after the first trimester, since this is the time when your baby's development is most influenced by outside factors. An alternative that may work for you is highlighting or frosting your hair. With these two methods of coloring your hair, very little of the color touches your scalp, which minimizes your exposure. Another important consideration before getting a perm during your pregnancy is that your hair may be unpredictable in the way it reacts to the treatment. While many people-including hair stylists-often attribute this unpredictability to the "raging hormones" of pregnancy, the bottom line is that a perm may leave your hair straight, it may make your hair frizz, or it may wave your hair in some areas, but not in others. Of course, the decision of whether or not to dye or perm your hair is ultimately up to you. Discuss with your healthcare practitioner her views about hair chemicals to help you make your decision. Massages Many pregnant women find that a massage is an excellent way to rejuvenate and relax. After 20 or so weeks of pregnancy, however, it's important to remember not to lie flat on your back. A large vessel to your heart, called the vena cava, lies along the back wall of your abdomen, next to your spine. The vena cava can be compressed by the weight of your uterus when you lie completely on your back. Instead, have the person giving you the massage prop a pillow under your right hip when you lie down. This tips the uterus off the great blood vessels. Many massage therapists offer a table made especially for pregnant women with a cutout in the middle for your pregnant belly. For obvious reasons, you might find this much more comfortable when having your back massaged. If your masseuse does not have this type of table, it is best to not lie completely on your stomach (for obvious reasons, not the least of which is your own discomfort). Lie on your side or straddle a chair for this portion of the massage. If she massages your abdomen, be careful that it does not cause you to have contractions. If you do experience contractions, stop this part of the massage. Keep in mind that you are doing this to help yourself relax and rejuvenate. Don't do anything that does not feel good. Fingers and toes During your pregnancy, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that your fingernails are growing faster and stronger than usual, (see skin and hair changes of pregnancy) as are your toenails. Many women find that treating themselves to a manicure or pedicure is another way of providing a welcome lift to their spirits. In the case of a pedicure, you also may be taking care of the increasingly difficult task of cutting your toenails as your belly begins to interfere with your ability to reach your own feet! The fumes from chemicals that sometimes go along with this treat, however, can be a source of concern. Try to make sure that you are in a relatively open area, that there is plenty of ventilation in the room, and that you are not exposed to the fumes for a long period of time. Now is the perfect time to indulge in a few luxuries. You are about to bring a new miracle into this world. Pay tribute to yourself. You deserve it.
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