pampering
than a DIY session at home. Many hairdressers will use strong chemicals that aren’t good for your unborn baby, however, so it’s always wise to mention that you’re pregnant. In particular you should look out for the following:
Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes: It’s not a good idea to use these in pregnancy – particularly in the first trimester - simply because small amounts of the chemicals in these products are absorbed into the bloodstream. Don’t panic though! Tere are plenty of alternatives now available. You could, for example, switch to a vegetable- based dye, such as henna, or you may prefer to choose highlights or lowlights instead. Whatever you opt for, remember to always do a skin sensitivity test before using a hair dye for the first time.
Perms and hair-relaxing treatments:As with dyes, small quantities of these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream so, as a precaution, wait until aſter the first trimester. Remember too that pregnancy hormones can cause your hair to react to treatments in an unpredictable way, producing uneven results.
Hair extensions and weaves:Tese are currently ‘in vogue’ and should, technically, be safe in pregnancy. If they’re attached to the skin, however, an adhesive will need to be used. Check with your hairdresser that the adhesive in question is safe to be used in pregnancy and do a patch test on the skin, as it may be more sensitive than usual.
Skin deep
Pregnancy is definitely not the time to tackle laughter lines or go for a ‘trout pout’! Tat’s because many beauty treatments involve injecting toxins into your skin and this is definitely a no-go area during pregnancy, so make sure that your beautician knows which treatments are safe and which are not at this time. Fortunately, you’ll be able to treat yourself
to a beautifully relaxing facial! Most facials are safe, but you must tell your beautician that you’re pregnant, as some products aren’t recommended during this time.
Beauty treatments
Eyelash and eyebrow tints are fine during pregnancy, but do a patch test first, as skin may be more sensitive than usual.
Opt for a spa that specifically mentions ‘pregnancy massage’ as these therapists will have special training for this period in your life
Waxing is also safe, but may be more
uncomfortable than normal because of your skin’s increased sensitivity, so again do a patch test first. Manicures are usually safe, but there is
concern about the strong chemicals used in nail varnish and remover. If you have any concerns, simply ask your manicurist to just buff your nails. Again, any well-trained and well-qualified manicurist will be au fait with what’s useable and what’s not. Te same applies with nail extensions.
Te viability of nail extensions depends very much on how your nails have been affected by your pregnancy. If, for example, they’ve become weak and brittle, then the adhesive that the manicurist uses may dry them out even more. Again, a highly-trained professional will be able to advise you accordingly.
Show your feet some TLC
During pregnancy – particularly in the third trimester – your little tootsies will be working flat out! Not only will they be carrying more weight, they’ll probably be swollen from an increase in fluids. Try soaking them in the bath or in a foot bath and follow this up with lots of beautifully moisturising lotion. Ten put them off for a well-earned rest! Sheer bliss.... If you opt for a professional pedicure,
make sure you choose a reputable salon. During the third trimester, it can be lovely to have your feet worked on professionally, especially if you can’t touch or see your toes by now!
Make sure you get the massage...
A massage during pregnancy is a fantastic way of easing lower back pain and stiff shoulders. In addition to the physical benefits, a massage also releases endorphins – the ‘happy hormones’ – which will liſt your mood too. Again, opt for a spa that specifically mentions ‘pregnancy massage’ as these therapists will have special massage training for this period in your life. Remember too that you can ask for scent- free massage lotions, particularly if your pregnancy has made you more sensitive to aromas. While massages are increasingly popular
in pregnancy, aromatherapy massages are another no-no during the first trimester.
Complementary therapies
Tere’s no doubt that complementary or alternative therapies have become very popular for pregnancy over the last few years. Reflexology is particularly popular with
mums to be, mainly because it’s now recognised for easing typical pregnancy discomfort, such as sickness and heartburn. Always check first with your GP though, particularly if you have any complications, such as a low-lying placenta or excess amniotic fluid. Many reflexologists will also not treat you during the first trimester, since this is the period during which most miscarriages occur. So, there you have it, Modern Mum’s
ABC of TLC – now just lie back and relax! „
Summer 2016 MODERNMUM 27
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