Some studies suggest that there is a link to birth defects among babies and mothers who have used nail polish, nail polish remover, hair dyes, hair sprays, lipstick and other cosmetics. Is there really a risk? The medical profession seems unsure. Is it worth the risk?
Reading the label on the package for hidden ingredients that have been found harmful and avoiding the use of the products that contain these ingredients seems to be a logical step. Some ingredients that you should be avoiding contact with during pregnancy: nail polishes or removers containing methyl methacrylate and acetonitrile; lipsticks containing lead (this is true for anyone wearing lipstick because as we lick our lips we ingest the leaded lipstick); and makeup containing phthalates and parabens.
Consider waiting until after the first trimester to dye your hair and when dying your hair try using vegetable dyes like henna instead of those with synethetic chemical compounds. Check the label on those all natural products because they sometimes use synthetic chemicals as well. Be sure you really know what you are using.
When using any of these products be sure to do so in a well ventilated area, don't blow your nails dry as you will ingest some of the fumes, and try not to lick your lips. These simple steps will reduce the risk to your baby but sometimes habits are difficult to break.
My personal recommendation is to limit the use of all these products as much as possible and read the labels before using anything, but use them when you begin feeling bad about the way you are looking during pregnancy. Feeling bad about yourself is not good for the health of the baby growing inside you either.
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