Pregnancy calls for several precautionary measures. Following a healthy diet and taking proper medicines are two most obvious requirements during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should bear in mind that there are various other aspects related to pregnancy which need serious attention and in no circumstances should be avoided. In most pregnancy cases, women seem to overlook the fact that certain skin care products may pose a threat to their unborn child. The body of a woman bearing a child does not allow the germs and bacteria to pass through the placenta and therefore the fetus inside stays safe. However, pregnant women should be careful while applying cosmetics because these might contain certain ingredients which can easily go through and harm the fetus. Hence, some of these ingredients, which are listed below, must be avoided at all cost during pregnancy.
1. Retinol A
Retinol A, a kind of Vitamin A, which is otherwise useful for acne treatment, should not be taken during pregnancy as high percentage of Vitamin A will cause harm to the baby.
2. Hair Cream Removers
Women using cream hair removers should try and avoid using them during pregnancy. The fact is, there are high chances that the skin would absorb the chemicals contained in these items which may give rise to troubles concerning the growing fetus. Moreover, the fragrance or aromas that are specially added to these items are also found to contain phathalates which can prove quite harmful to the child. Thus, even though hair removal creams are a must for women, but it is safer to stop using them at the time of pregnancy.
3. Parabens
One of the basic preservatives used in most cosmetics is parabens. Recent scientific research shows that excessive use of paraben containing skin care products can cause harm to the reproductive systems of small boys. It is better not to take such risks regarding child health and so women should stop using such cosmetics during conditions of pregnancy.
4. Accutane
Among various other cosmetic products, the use of accutane during pregnancy is highly dangerous. In normal situations, this product is used to treat the problem of acne. however, using this skin care product during pregnancy can cause birth disorders in the fetus and in certain cases it may also lead to the death of the fetus. It has been rated as a Category X product which signifies that it should not be used at all.
5. Hair Colors
Pregnant women should always think twice before applying hair color. Although, hair colors add striking shades to the hair, it is perfectly wise not to use them when one is pregnant. It should be always remembered that even in normal circumstances applying hair dye is not really advisable because it contains toxic substances which are unfit for hair. Women who are expecting their babies should also avoid using hair colors if they don’t want the harmful chemicals to affect their unborn babies.
6. Salicylic Acid
There is another ingredient namely salicylic acid or BHA or beta hydroxy acid that is actually used as anti aging items and exfoliators. It is also used for the treatment of acne. It is very essential for would-be mothers to note that this particular skin care component actually belongs to the category of aspirin. The intake of aspirin during pregnancy has resulted in serious complications. Hence, it is best to avoid this ingredient at the time of pregnancy.
7. Lead
Lipsticks are a very common form of beauty product, but they contain a damaging component, i.e. lead, which has been proved to be risky for fetal growth. Scientific studies have found out that lead is one component that can easily pass through the placenta and even get into the brain of the fetus resting inside the mother’s womb. As a result, the growth and development of the fetus gets adversely affected. It is highly recommended that pregnant ladies should go for natural lipsticks which are commonly available and are also safe to use.
8. Phthalates
Another important component found in many commonly used skin care items like deodorants, perfumes, nail enamels or hair sprays, is phthalates. Cosmetics containing this ingredient should not be used by pregnant women. An important and authentic study on the use of cosmetics and their ill effects has revealed that high amounts of phathalates found in the body of a pregnant woman may lead to serious problems related to the genitals of a boy child. Hence, it is better to prevent the use of such products before it gets too late. Several other beauty products which are free of this component are also available in markets.
