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Can perfume cause miscarriage
Jamie McConnell Director of Programs & Policy |
Two recent studies from the Harvard School of Public Health underscore the reproductive health impacts of exposure to phthalates. The studies found that exposure to phthalates may increase the risk of having a miscarriage and increase risk factors for gestational diabetes.
- Phthalates are hormone-disrupting, synthetic chemicals found in many consumer goods like items made out of certain types of plastics, as well as cosmetics and fragrances.
- There are different types of phthalates, some may pose more harm than others.
- The first Harvard study found that women with high levels of the phthalate di-(2-ethylhexyl) — more commonly known as DEHP — were 60% more likely to have a miscarriage before 20 weeks than women who had lower levels of DEHP.
This study specifically researched women at a fertility clinic who were having difficulties becoming pregnant. The second study showed that women with the highest level of monethyl phthalate in their bodies had double the risk of excessive weight gain when they were pregnant, compared with women who had lower concentrations.
- Monoethyl phthalate is the metabolite that results when your body is exposed to, and metabolizes, diethyl phthalate (DEP) — a phthalate commonly used in fragrances,
- Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is a risk factor for gestational diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes increases the risks of pre-term birth and other birth complications.
Chemical contamination of women is a reproductive justice issue. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to know whether phthalates are present in consumer products because of trade secret policies, and a lack of labeling. As a result, women are being contaminated by these chemicals without our consent and, as these Harvard studies show, it appears to be impacting our ability to have a healthy pregnancy.
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Does hand sanitizer affect pregnancy?
Although hand sanitizer has shown to be generally safe for both mom and baby, in addition to an effective way to clean your hands, it is not the CDC’s first recommendation. In fact, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best option for hand cleaning.
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Is vitamin C serum safe during pregnancy?
Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy? And what about hyaluronic acid during pregnancy? – Anti-ageing products with vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy – there’s no research proving they’re a problem for topical use.
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Is Cetaphil safe for pregnant?
‘Cetaphil is usually recommended by dermatologists because it is safe to use during pregnancy,’ Dr. Segura says. ‘It can be used daily because it’s a gentle cleanser with safe ingredients, but it will still deep-clean and help gently remove excess oil without drying out your skin.’
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Is makeup safe during pregnancy
Is it safe to use cosmetics during pregnancy? – Yes. Sometimes people ask whether exposure to cosmetics during pregnancy may cause abnormalities in the development of babies. Such claims cause unnecessary alarm and distress to consumers because there is no basis for concern.
Choosing cosmetic products is a very personal thing, but this decision should not be driven by fears over safety. The law requires that all cosmetic products must be safe before they can be sold in the UK. The cosmetics industry takes its responsibility to the consumer extremely seriously and safety is the number one priority.
Strict laws are in place to ensure that cosmetic products do not cause any harm to human health. It is the case that unfortunately someone, somewhere could react to an ingredient used in cosmetic products, so all cosmetic products display a complete ingredients list and it is really important to always follow the on-pack instructions.
Central to the requirement for safety is that a rigorous safety assessment is carried out on every single cosmetic product before it is placed on the shelf. Cosmetic law also requires the use of appropriate warnings where necessary, so a cosmetic product label will clearly state if there are any risks to pregnant women.
However, such labelling is rare because the safety assessment is performed by qualified experts who understand cosmetics may be used by women who are pregnant or who might not be aware they are pregnant at the time. So, unless cosmetics are safe for use in pregnancy, they would not be placed on the market.
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Why can’t you use salicylic acid when pregnant?
– During pregnancy, you’re understandably concerned about what goes into and on your body. You’ll find salicylic acid in many products, but it’s worth investigating the risks and weighing them against the benefits. Topical salicylic acid is pregnancy-safe, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists,
But more research is needed to determine if there are any adverse risks to the developing baby-to-be. Prescription salicylic acid is related to aspirin, so taking the oral form of this medication isn’t advised during pregnancy. Studies have shown that taking oral salicylic acid during late pregnancy can increase the risk for intracranial bleeding.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this oral skin medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They may be able to recommend a safer alternative.
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Why can’t you get a facial while pregnant
Facial Treatments While Pregnant – It depends. It’s generally safe to get a facial while pregnant—as long as you avoid harsh treatments like microdermabrasion and certain kinds of chemical peels, which can do more harm than good. Because your skin is extra-sensitive now that you’re pregnant, “microdermabrasion can lead to irritation, breakouts and uneven results,” says Renée Rouleau, celebrity aesthetician and founder of Renée Rouleau Skincare.
- But gentle exfoliating facial scrubs, like crushed apricot kernels or bamboo beads, followed by a deep-moisturizing mask (think avocado or yogurt) are a safe and soothing option.
- The precautions: Double check that the products being used in your facial treatments are toxin-free and are safe for you and baby.
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid, is one ingredient you don’t want in your facial peels, Engelman says. High doses of the acid in oral form has been shown to be harmful for baby, so doctors recommend avoiding chemical peels that contain BHA.
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What cosmetic treatments can I do while pregnant?
Pregnancy Safe Aesthetic Treatments – Skin rejuvenation treatments that are typically pregnancy-safe include dermaplaning and microdermabrasion, Both of these treatments can be scheduled as a standalone procedure or added on to a facial to address complexion concerns like dryness or hyperpigmentation.
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What facial treatments can I get while pregnant
Are Facials Safe During Pregnancy? > “Is it safe to get a facial when you’re pregnant or trying to conceive? What about other skin treatments?” If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive and aren’t sure if your beauty and skin regimens are still safe, it’s great you’re thinking twice. Luckily, you don’t have to steer clear of treating yourself to the clog-clearing luxury that is a facial altogether. Although most topical creams are safe, there are some indulgences that you’ll need to steer clear of when you’re expecting. Those include facials that feature, such as retinoids or high doses of salicylic acids.
You might also want to avoid electric stimulation for deep cleaning and, and check with your practitioner before booking a laser treatment or microdermabrasion facial (some experts say they’re off-limits, while others say they’re safe in some cases).Safer facial options during pregnancy include hydrating facials, collagen facials, oxygen facials, steam facials, LED facials or ones that feature fruit acid peels and extractions.If you’re thinking about getting pregnant and currently using any acne treatments such as Accutane or Retin-A, you’ll need to stop at least a month before you actively try to conceive (since you never really know just when conception is actually going to occur).
Luckily, there are steps you can take to tame breakouts naturally, including drinking plenty of water and keeping your face clean. Using an oil-free moisturizer is important, since an overly-dry face can actually be more prone to breakouts (adult acne needs a gentler touch).
- Your diet plays an important role too: Foods high in essential fatty acids, vitamin C, folic acid, and iron, niacin and vitamin A help keep your skin looking healthy and pimple-free.
- Just never take those vitamins in a pill form beyond without the OK of your doctor; some, like vitamin A, can be dangerous for your baby.) Be sure to ask your practitioner about any facial treatment before and during pregnancy.
If they tell you to err on the side of caution, it’s always better to opt out. Enjoy!
What to Expect When You’re Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.WhatToExpect.com, June 2021.WhatToExpect.com,, April 2021.WhatToExpect.com,, May 2021.Dermatologic Surgery,, October 2013.March of Dimes,, June 2019.National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine,, October 2021.
Was this article helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). The educational health content on What To Expect is to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.
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Can you use vitamin C serum while pregnant?
Is It Safe to Use Vitamin C in Skincare During Pregnancy? – With all the no-nos you run up against while pregnant, we’re happy to tell you that, yes, you can use vitamin C serums while pregnant, as well as other vitamin C skincare formulations. In order for it to become harmful in any way, you’d have to apply 100 to 200 times the recommended daily dose on your product labels—and you’d likely need to use many, many vitamin C skincare products simultaneously to reach that amount.
- Vitamin C is a great and safe ingredient to use while pregnant,” confirms Dr. Nazarian.
- Thankfully, it’s a super safe ingredient, and works well with other products in most basic skincare regimens, such as sunscreen.” She goes on to explain that both vitamin C and sunscreen will protect against premature aging and oxidative stressors in the environment.
And advises looking for reputable, research-backed brands and products that are formulated for sensitive skin. Always be sure to use sunscreen—as you should every day, year-round—since topical vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and UV damage.
- We should also note that when taken orally, either in food, drinks, or your prenatal vitamin, vitamin C helps support your immunity and build strong muscles and bones.
- While it’s not generally recommended to take a vitamin C supplement on top of all the aforementioned sources, this important nutrient helps your body absorb iron, which can be beneficial for pregnant people, since they’re at a higher risk of developing anemia, a blood deficiency that can can cause weakness and fatigue.
Every pregnancy is different. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider about your circumstances if you have any questions about using vitamin C skincare while pregnant.
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