Now, does it matter if I am pregnant or  breastfeeding? Which ones are okay to use, the strips, the toothpastes, and/or the blue light therapy? So many options to choose from, right? Before we talk about each of those ingredients, it’s important to point out that every pregnancy starts out with a small chance (3-5%) of having a baby with a birth defect, we call this the background risk. Now that we have defined the background risk, when we talk about any possible increased risk for birth defects, we refer to the increased risk above that background risk. Now, let’s break it down and take a look at some of these products and their ingredients.

1. Whitening strips

Most teeth whitening products contain various ingredients that are not well studied in pregnancy or lactation. Without good research it’s difficult to know whether the ingredients can cause a problem for the developing baby or breastfed infant. However, when the product is used as directed on the teeth (not swallowed) it is unlikely that a significant amount would enter the pregnant person’s system or the breast milk. Let’s take a closer look at some of those common ingredients:

• Carbamide peroxide breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide when in contact with organic compounds in living tissues.
  • Urea is a chemical formed from protein breakdown and is often used in lotions to improve hydration. Urea is also found naturally in the body and is also part of breast milk. Since the body can excrete large amounts of urea, exposure to small or moderate amounts of urea is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects or cause any adverse effects to the breastfed infant.
  • Hydrogen peroxide is added to cosmetics and personal care products as an antimicrobial ingredient to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. It also oxidizes stains on the teeth to whiten them. When in contact with your teeth, hydrogen peroxide will break down as a molecule of water and oxygen gas. Because of this, it is not likely to pose any significant chance for birth defects or problems while breastfeeding.

You may also find,

• Sodium Hydroxide. This ingredient is commonly found in industry and home-based products, such as soaps. It is toxic to tissues, and it is not meant to ingest or breathe. When used in dental preparations, they alter the acidity of the mouth for better protection of the teeth. There are no human studies done on sodium hydroxide in pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, due to potential maternal alkalosis (increase in the pH of the body), careful use should be advised in when an individual has kidney problems during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Glycerin is colorless, odorless, and a sweet glycerol (sugar alcohol), used as a lubrication agent in multiple cosmetic products such as toothpaste, shaving cream, and soaps. Glycerin crosses the placenta in small amounts but there are no studies in humans looking at glycerin. However, since data in animals did not show any increase in birth defects, it is not likely that glycerin in tooth whitening would put a pregnancy or breastfed infant at increased chance for problems.
• Menthol is widely used in a variety of products in the cosmetic world as a flavoring and fragrance agent. There are no studies in humans on use of menthol in pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, animal data did not show any increase in birth defects. Therefore, when used in small amounts, it is unlikely to pose any increased chances for birth defects or any other problems during pregnancy or while breastfeeding your baby.
• Carbomer is commonly used as thickening agents and emulsifiers for pharmaceuticals and many other products. Carbomer is added to teeth whitening strips as a thickener and usually found in small amounts in some products. Because of the large molecular size of carbomer and the small amount used in these products, it would be unlikely to cause problems during pregnancy or enter the breast milk in amounts that are of concern for a breastfeeding baby.

2. Whitening toothpastes

Majority of these toothpastes contain:

• Sodium Monofluorophosphate (MFP), a sodium salt commonly used to increase the amount of fluoride incorporated into the enamel which can help prevent cavities. No research has been done during pregnancy; it is unknown if it causes problems for the baby. Sodium Monofluorophosphate can potentially cause adverse effects if ingested, its use should be monitored closely during pregnancy and while breastfeeding your baby.
• Sodium fluoride is a colorless or white powder that dissolves in liquid. Sodium fluoride is mostly used for prevention of dental cavities, to polish the teeth, and reduce oral odor. Sodium fluoride can be found in drinking water. Ingestion of these ingredients in excessive amounts during pregnancy could lead to impaired development of the baby’s teeth. Sodium fluoride gets into the breastmilk in small amounts, and it is not expected to cause adverse effects to the breast-fed infant.

3. Blue (LED) Light Therapy

This therapy is often used to treat acne and sun damage. This therapy will only work in areas where the light reaches, and it usually needs a combination of photosynthesizing drugs to activate the ingredients and help whiten the teeth. This blue (LED) light therapy is used with gels or strips containing some of the ingredients above. Some may contain ingredients we have not reviewed above. There is limited research on the use of blue light therapy during pregnancy or breastfeeding and the risk of birth defects or other pregnancy problems are unknown. However, the light itself is not expected to increase the risk of birth defects or pose any adverse effects to the breastfed infant.

4. Other ingredients commonly used:

• Herbals are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, we are never sure what is in the product, and there is not enough information to evaluate possible risk to a developing baby or breastfed infant. For more information about herbals and supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding, please refer to our fact sheet at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/herbal-products-pregnancy/.
• Alcohol should be avoided completely during pregnancy. It has been established that there is no known amount or type of alcohol that is okay to consume during pregnancy. However, using a teeth whitener with alcohol is not expected to result in a significant amount getting in your bloodstream or the breast milk since the product is applied topically. Do not swallow or drink any of these products and use as directed on the package. If desired, you can select an alcohol-free product. To read more about alcohol during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, please refer to our Fact Sheet at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/alcohol-pregnancy/ .

If you are interested in learning more about other products and their individual ingredients, make sure to contact the experts at MotherToBaby.

And remember, it is important to feel good in your own skin but, if you are leaning towards getting your teeth whitened, here are some tips to think about before buying any product. 

1. Look for non-alcohol based products.
2. Use the product as directed, do not swallow it, and do not exceed the time listed on the package.
3. Contact the experts at MotherToBaby.org with your questions.

The post Whitening Teeth during Pregnancy or Breastfeeding? Let’s Bite into the Subject! appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Some cosmetic procedures require surgery; these are a type of plastic surgery. Examples include liposuction, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty (nose). These types of cosmetic surgeries are best avoided while pregnant. But what about less invasive procedures? Let’s look at some commonly asked about treatments:

Botox

Botox is an injectable form of botulinum toxin. When used cosmetically, Botox is typically injected in the face or neck to help smooth out wrinkles or fine lines in the skin by temporarily paralyzing or relaxing the muscles. Botox is expected to stay in the area where it is administered and not enter the bloodstream. Because of this, it is unlikely to enter breast milk or to cross the placenta where it could reach a developing baby. However, it is important to note that Botox hasn’t been studied specifically for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is also a risk for infection at the injection site, and the possibility that the toxin could spread beyond the area where it was administered. Read more about Botox here: https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/botox-baby-what-we-know-about-the-risks-during-pregnancy-breastfeeding/

Semi-Permanent Makeup & Microblading

Semi-permanent makeup is achieved by tattooing areas of the face to highlight natural features and typically lasts for a few years before fading. This might include eye liner, lips, or eyebrows. Microblading is another form of tattooing used on the eyebrows. When it comes to the ink used in semi-permanent makeup, it isn’t clear how much of the pigment in the ink is able to enter the blood stream, cross the placenta, or how much is able to reach the baby. For folks who are breastfeeding, it also isn’t clear how much of the pigment might pass into breast milk. This makes it difficult to know if the pigment itself might cause a risk. We do know that with any tattoo, there is a possibility of infection if the equipment is not sterilized properly. There can be a risk for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and other infections like staph. There is also a possibility of infection during the healing process. If you do choose to get semi-permanent makeup while pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to go somewhere that is practicing good hygiene. Also be sure to contact your healthcare provider if the tattooed area seems like it isn’t healing correctly.

Teeth Whitening

Many people are also interested in brightening up their pearly whites. Some common teeth whitening products include whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, at home Blue (LED) Light Therapy, and professional whitening procedures administered by a dental hygienist or dentist. For the most part, these products are not expected to increase risks to a pregnancy or a breastfeeding baby. For more details about specific ingredients in teeth whitening products see: https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/whitening-teeth-during-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding-lets-bite-into-the-subject/

Chemical Peels

There are a few different types of cosmetic chemical peels that are used to address uneven skin tones, wrinkles, acne scarring, or sun damage by applying a product on the skin (topically) that then removes part of the upper layers of the skin. This usually involves a type of acid – it might be a combination of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid and other ingredients. Light chemical peels involve the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Deep chemical peels can penetrate a bit further into the layers of your skin. Because the chemicals in each peel can vary, it can be a good idea to ask ahead of time for an ingredient list. A MotherToBaby specialist can talk with you about the active ingredients in the specific chemical peel you are considering. Read more about your skin & skin care here: https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/whats-the-skinny-on-skin-care

Lip Fillers & Dermal Fillers

Lip and dermal (or face) fillers are injected substances that are used to fill in lines and wrinkles or add volume to areas in the face or lips. There are currently four types of fillers that are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common. Hyaluronic acid, along with Calcium hydroxylapatite and Polylactic acid fillers are considered temporary – these will eventually be broken down and absorbed by the body. Polymethylmethacrylate is not absorbed by the body – this filler is made up of small round plastic beads suspended in collagen. So what do we know about the use of fillers during pregnancy or breastfeeding? The answer is not much. There is limited research on these substances when administered during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it may be best to pause any injections until a later date. There is also a potential risk for infection at the injection site. The FDA advises anyone interested in fillers to get them from a licensed healthcare provider and to discuss the risks and benefits with them before the procedure.           

So, what did Erin do about their appointment for dermal fillers?

When it comes to cosmetic procedures while pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consider what is known about a procedure and weigh any potential risks. In Erin’s case, they decided it would be best to wait to reschedule their next dermal filler appointment until after their child was born. They ended our call by telling me, “I think it will give me more peace of mind to cancel my appointment and wait until after my pregnancy now that I know there isn’t much research. I’ll talk to my dermatologist about other skin care options in the meantime.” 

Do you have a question about a cosmetic procedure during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Speak with a MotherToBaby specialist via phone, text, chat, or email.

The post Maintaining Your Glow: Navigating Cosmetic Procedures While Pregnant or Breastfeeding appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Your Skin

First, lets talk about your skin and how topical products (things you put on your skin) get into your system. Your skin is a large, dynamic living tissue that is made up of different layers. We need to understand the absorption process in order to evaluate the safety of cosmetic, medicinal, and chemical products that come into contact with our skin. When a substance is put on your skin, it first has to go through the outer layer of the skin called the stratum corneum, which is made up of dead cells. Then come the living layers of our skin, the epidermis (waterproof barrier), dermis (connective tissue, hair follicles and sweat glands), hypodermis (fat and connective tissue) and the vascular network.

How Much is Absorbed?

Different factors affect skin absorption, including how much is applied, the physical state of the product (is it a liquid, powder, gel, etc.), where on the body it is applied, how large of an area the product is applied to, the person’s age, and whether the skin is wet or dry at the time the product is applied. Often, only 1 or 2% of an applied dose is absorbed into your system. But sometimes, more is absorbed, especially if your skin has open wounds, cracks etc. or if you have a skin condition such as eczema. In fact, how “complete” your skin is can be the most important factor in determining how effective a barrier it can be to topical products.

It can be hard to get good safety information on every type of topical product. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does require cosmetic products to be “safe,” which is based on their specific labeling and use. Yet cosmetic products do not need FDA approval to be sold on the market, and often the companies make claims that have not been studied and cannot be proven. So it is always a good idea to check with our MotherToBaby information specialists and let us research the product and its ingredients for you.

Many times during pregnancy and breastfeeding, people worry about the use of retinoids (a class of chemical compounds contained in treatments for acne, psoriasis, wrinkles, and other skin conditions), high dose salicylic acid (a common ingredient in topical acne treatments), formaldehyde (often used as a preservative in cosmetic products), hydroquinone (a skin-lightening agent that can be used to treat age spots and sun spots), and chemical sunscreens to name a few. These products do have some concerns and should be used with caution when pregnant and nursing.

Other products that are applied to your skin have less concerns in most instances. These include over-the-counter antibiotic creams, corticosteroid creams (used to reduce skin inflammation and irritation from things insect bites or poison oak/ivy, but also in treatments for eczema and psoriasis), essential oils, menthol and lidocaine type products (used in products to cool or numb the skin), hydrogen peroxide (used in treatments for acne, sun spots, and age spots), fluoride and dental products, homeopathic creams and gels, vitamin C products (used in treatments to reduce fine lines and as an antioxidant to protect the skin), and things that you put on your hair and nails.  

So that is the skinny on skin care! You might be able to use more products on your skin than you thought you could during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even with a product that is considered low risk, you may want to check with your healthcare provider or with us if you have any concerns before using. We have a number of fact sheets and blogs that can answer some of your questions about topical products, and our information specialists are always happy to answer your questions by phone, text, email, or chat.

The post What’s the Skinny on Skin Care? appeared first on MotherToBaby.

What is Botox?

Botox and Botox Cosmetic are used by healthcare providers. Both include botulinum toxin, though each are used differently depending on what issue is being addressed. You may also see it called OnabotulinumtoxinA or botulinum toxin type A. This toxin works by paralyzing muscles at the site where it is injected, causing the muscles to relax.

There is an illness called botulism, which you may have heard of, and it is caused by the bacteria that make the botulinum toxin. According to the CDC, botulism is a rare but serious illness and can cause people to have vision or breathing issues, paralyzes muscles causing them to feel weak, and can cause death in some cases. It is often caused by bacteria associated with improperly canned or preserved foods and symptoms are likely to present 18-36 hours after eating the contaminated food. You can read more about the different types of botulism here.

What is Botox used for?

When used for cosmetic reasons, the botulinum toxin is injected into specific areas, like the face or neck, in order to smooth out wrinkles or lines in the skin.

There are also individuals who get Botox to help with medical conditions. Examples include treating chronic migraines, urinary incontinence (or issues with the bladder), and spastic muscle movements in parts of the body. Some people also get Botox injections to help stop excessive sweating in certain areas of their body. There are several uses for Botox, and some are incredibly important for improving quality of life and function for people.

What is known about being exposed to Botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The short answer is not a lot. There have been no well-controlled research studies in either pregnant or breastfeeding people. Botox is expected to be contained to the area of the body where it is administered to and not to circulate throughout a person’s system. Because it is not known to enter your system, or bloodstream, it is unlikely it could cross the placenta to reach a developing baby or to enter breast milk. However, because we do not know for sure, many providers suggest avoiding using Botox during pregnancy and lactation. It is also thought to stay in your body from four to six months, so avoiding using it while planning a pregnancy if possible may also be advised. 

There are some risks that come with Botox use. It is possible to get an infection in the area where you are injected, and the toxin could spread beyond where it is injected. This can cause people to experience issues breathing and/or swallowing issues and seeking immediate medical care if needed is important.

Speaking with your healthcare provider is always recommended by the experts at MotherToBaby. If you are routinely receiving some form of Botox therapy, it may be worth discussing this with your healthcare provider before you become pregnant. Weighing the pros and cons of your therapy can help you make the best choice for yourself and your baby. If you are receiving Botox for purely cosmetic reasons, putting a pause on your injections may be well worth the wait if you want to take the least risk possible.

To read more from the Centers for Disease about botulism visit: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/index.html

FDA Botox Drug Label: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/103000s5232lbl.pdf

The post Botox & Baby: What We Know about The Risks during Pregnancy & Breastfeeding appeared first on MotherToBaby.

“I love the way my eyebrows look!” Emily just found out she was 6 weeks pregnant, and had started the process of microblading (a cosmetic tattooing technique, in which a tool made of small needles is used to add semi-permanent pigment to the skin; resembling the hair on the brow) before she knew she was pregnant. Logging into the MotherToBaby chat for some guidance, after online searching resulted in mixed answers, she wanted to know if it was still ok to continue microblading during her pregnancy.

Emily’s question is a common one we receive here at MotherToBaby. With new and upcoming products in the beauty industry, many women want to know if it is ok to start or continue treatments like microblading when they become pregnant. Procedures like these often require more than one visit, broken up between weeks or even months. For pregnant women, the “nine month stretch” raises questions about their use in pregnancy.

The difficulty in answering a question like Emily’s comes down to the lack of information about these types of procedures in pregnancy and also while breastfeeding. Without the research available, we simply do not know about how they may, or may not, affect your pregnancy or your breastfed infant.

Ink

The pigments used in microblading are made up of different types of chemical compounds, like oxides, which can be pre-mixed and purchased by the cosmetic tattoo artist. They may also be mixed by the professionals themselves. A few unknowns are how much pigment, if any, is going into the skin, is entering the mom’s blood, crossing the placenta, and reaching the baby – which also means we do not know if the ingredients in the pigment could pose any risk. The same goes for breastfeeding moms – without good data, we do not know how much pigment, if any, is getting into the milk reaching the breastfed baby.

Possibility of infection

Another thing to consider about microblading in pregnancy and breastfeeding is the risk for infection. As previously mentioned, during the microblading process, a cosmetic tattoo artist deposits pigment into the outer layer of the skin by penetrating the skin with tiny needles. There is a possibility that the needles used may not be completely sterilized, which can lead to a higher risk of health issues such as staph infection, abscess, skin inflammation, or other infections like Hepatitis B and HIV. Medications like antibiotics may be needed to treat these conditions, sometimes requiring weeks or months of treatment. If left untreated, they can lead to health issues for mom and baby. Visiting a reputable business with good hygiene practices in place is a good idea should you choose to have microblading done during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Pain

Some women report that the microblading treatment can be painful. If that’s the case, the cosmetic tattoo artist may recommend the use of additional medications to control the pain (e.g. a topical lidocaine cream, or Tylenol). During pregnancy and breastfeeding, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered by most healthcare professionals to be the preferred pain reliever: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/acetaminophen-pregnancy/. With topical exposures, like lidocaine cream, a significant amount is generally not expected to enter the mom’s blood and result in an exposure to the pregnancy. Consider these additional exposures during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when deciding whether or not to book an appointment.

With all these unknowns in mind, it can be difficult to evaluate what possible risks a developing baby or breastfed infant might face. Ultimately it comes down to weighing the risks vs. the benefits, and this is exactly what I discussed with Emily on our chat. Having gone to a licensed cosmetic tattoo artist, Emily was reassured that her microblading procedure early in pregnancy was unlikely to be a concern. Moving forward, she decided that given the lack of research, she would prefer to wait until she was no longer pregnant or breastfeeding to resume further treatment. “My eyebrows might not look as great for the next year, but I won’t have to constantly worry about the ink reaching the baby or the possibility of infection from having this done!” she shared as we wrapped up the chat.

If you have questions about microblading while pregnant or breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to contact a MotherToBaby specialist via phone, text, chat, or email.

Angela Messer, MS, is a Teratogen Information Specialist with MotherToBaby California. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Chapman University and her Master’s degree from Kansas State University in academic advising/counseling.  Angela has been with MotherToBaby since 2009 and holds a special interest in maternal medical conditions in pregnancy. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in her hometown of San Diego, CA with her husband and 9 month old daughter.

About MotherToBaby 

MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), suggested resources by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text information service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets about dozens of viruses, medications, vaccines, alcohol, diseases, or other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding or connect with all of our resources by downloading the new MotherToBaby free app, available on Android and iOS markets. Also, make sure to subscribe to The MotherToBaby Podcast available on iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify and podcatchers everywhere.

The post Microblading in Pregnancy: What to Know before ‘Going under the Needle’ appeared first on MotherToBaby.

By Chris Stallman, Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Arizona and host of  The MotherToBaby Podcast

As a teratogen information specialist, one of the questions I frequently get asked is “can this product be harmful to me or my pregnancy?” What a perfect time to address this question during June’s National Safety Month, which aims to raise awareness about reducing the leading causes of unintentional injury in the home! What is the answer to that common safety question? Usually yes, a product can be harmful to you or your pregnancy. But before you throw out everything in your house and live in a bubble for nine months, let me explain…

Anything can be toxic if too much is ingested or absorbed into the body – even water. What matters is the dose – how much of something you are exposed to. For example, in a healthy person, drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day would not be expected to cause water toxicity. However, drinking 8-10 gallons can be dangerous. Again – all in the dose.

There may be beauty products you use before pregnancy that may not be recommended for use during pregnancy. We’ll look at a few common products below:

Retinoids

When it comes to treating acne outside of pregnancy, there are many options. Vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin A derivatives (such as retinoic acid and isotretinoin) are often referred to as “retinoids”, and can be found in some acne treatment products. It’s well-known that the drug Accutane® (a pill taken by mouth that contains isotretinoin) can cause birth defects in pregnancy, but it’s less clear if topical retinoids (like gels or creams) have the same effects. When applied on the skin, usually much less of the medication makes it into the bloodstream. This means less of the medication would make it across the placenta to the fetus. However, even though the risk with topical use is different than when taking a pill, women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding should discuss this with their healthcare provider.

Salicylic acid

This relative of aspirin can be found in some beauty products, including cleansers and toners.  Low dose aspirin (less than 81 mg/day), taken by mouth, has been well studied in pregnancy and does not appear to increase the chance of birth defects or other pregnancy complications. When applied on the skin, the amount of salicylic acid that enters the body would be much less than when a woman takes low dose aspirin. The amount that can be absorbed depends on the health of the skin, the levels (dose) of active ingredients, the area exposed (how much skin comes in contact with the product) and how often you use it. It’s important to use as directed by the product label or by your healthcare provider. When used as directed, it is unlikely that topical salicylic acid would pose any risk to a developing baby. Too much of this ingredient can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, problems with breathing, abnormal heart rhythm or coma, and can be fatal.

Hair dye

In general, when used as recommended, the amount of dye that is absorbed by the healthy skin of the scalp is small and is not expected to cause problems in a pregnancy. However hair products made outside of the US might have dangerous substances or contaminants such as heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, nickel, arsenic or mercury. So it may be best to avoid beauty products made in other countries. Gloves should be worn to protect the skin on your hands, although this does not protect the scalp, neck, forehead, ears, and eyelids. If a temporary dye gets into your eyes, minor irritation is expected. For semi-permanent and permanent dyes, effects on the eyes can be more serious, which is why it is recommended that these products are not to be used to dye eyebrows or eyelashes. If eaten (ingested), effects can be minor irritation of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and possibly chemical burns. It’s best to keep these (and all) products out of the reach of children, and to wash any areas of the skin where dye was present.

So, can beauty products be used in pregnancy? Absolutely, depending on the specific ingredients, how much you use, and how often you use it. When in doubt, ask a professional.

If you suspect you had a toxic exposure to a product, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If you have questions about everyday exposures during pregnancy or breastfeeding, call MotherToBaby at 1-866-626-6847.

Chris Stallman is a certified genetic counselor based in Tucson, Arizona and proud mother of three. She is the new host of The MotherToBaby Podcast, a show answering moms’ questions with evidence-based answers about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Listen to the episode on beauty products in pregnancy and breastfeeding on iTunes, Google Play Music or Spotify. She currently works for The University of Arizona as a Teratogen Information Specialist at MotherToBaby Arizona, formerly known as the Arizona Pregnancy Riskline. Her counseling experience includes prenatal and cardiac genetics. She has also served as MotherToBaby’s Education Committee Co-chair.

About MotherToBaby 

MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), suggested resources by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text information service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets about dozens of viruses, medications, vaccines, alcohol, diseases, or other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding or connect with all of our resources by downloading the new MotherToBaby free app, available on Android and iOS markets. Also, make sure to subscribe to The MotherToBaby Podcast available on iTunes, Google Play Music, Spotify and podcatchers everywhere.

The post National Safety Month: Can Beauty Products in My Bathroom Be Bad for Baby? appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Mother’s Day will be here soon, and as a mom or expectant mom you might get a gift certificate for a nail salon. But if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you might wonder if it is safe for you to go to the nail salon. After all, there are chemicals in nail treatments, and (let’s face it) nail salons often smell like they could be toxic! But are they?

What’s in nail treatments? And could they be harmful if I’m pregnant or nursing?
Common nail products include nail polish and types of acrylic nails including gels, liquids, and powders. There are a few ingredients that are commonly found in those products, including:

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Toluene
• Formaldehyde
• Camphor
• Paraffin
• Methacrylic
• Acetone
• Acetonitrile

The names of those ingredients may sound scary, but let’s look at each of them.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used in nail polish to make the polish more flexible and less likely to crack or break. Small amounts have been found in humans. Those small amounts are not expected to cause increased chances of problems for the pregnancy or breastfed baby based on the available research.

Toluene is a solvent that is used to thin nail polish so it goes smooth after being painted on with a brush. Solvents are known to be harmful to the nervous system. Sniffing or huffing spray paint, glue, and gasoline can cause dizziness and fainting in addition to damaging brain cells. But when it comes to nail treatments, the amount of toluene that is absorbed through the skin or inhaled from applying nail polish to finger and toe nails is small and not expected to increase the chance of problems for your pregnancy or breastfed baby.

Formaldehyde is used to harden nail polish. Nail salons might also use formaldehyde to disinfect nail care tools. Some people may be allergic to formaldehyde, even in the small amounts found in nail polish. Women with those allergies should use nail care products without formaldehyde and ask about its use in nail salons. Our bodies make formaldehyde and it can be found in healthy foods, such as apples. Just as too much water or oxygen can be dangerous for our bodies, too much formaldehyde can be a problem. However, the amount in nail polish is small and the amount that would be absorbed through the skin, nails, and from the fumes is also very small. That small amount is not expected to cause problems for your pregnancy or breastfed baby.

Camphor is also used to make nail polish soft or flexible and give it a pleasant odor. Camphor is found in some pain-relieving products that are applied to the skin. The amount of camphor in nail polish is far less than in those pain-relieving creams. Based on the limited information available, the use of camphor on the skin has not increased risks for a pregnancy or breastfed babies.

Paraffin is a mineral oil used in cosmetics and ointments to soften the skin. It isn’t part of the nail polish or remover, but your hands or feet might soak in it as part of the manicure or pedicure. As an oil, it mainly stays on the skin and isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream. The small amount of paraffin that is expected to get absorbed into the skin is not expected to increase the chance of problems for your pregnancy or breastfed baby.

Methacrylate is a chemical in acrylic nails. Not much of the methacrylate is left after it reacts with other chemicals to form the acrylic nails. However, the small amount that is left in the acrylic nails could cause irritation, redness, and swelling in the tissues under and below the nails. The small amount of methacrylate that is expected to be absorbed by the skin or lungs from using acrylic nails is not expected to cause an increased chance of problems for your pregnancy or breastfed baby.

Acetone is a solvent used in nail polish removers. Acetone, when ingested, can cause problems in the body. The small amount of acetone that is expected to be absorbed by the skin or lungs when it is used to remove nail polish is small and not expected to cause an increased chance of problems for your pregnancy or breastfed baby. After using nail polish remover, you might want to wash your hands or feet to reduce the amount that is left on the skin that could be absorbed.

Acetonitrile is another solvent used for removing artificial nails. It is less commonly used in cosmetics than acetone. The small amounts that are expected to be absorbed through the skin, nails, or lungs are not expected to increase the chances of problems for your pregnancy or breastfed baby.

But what about the smell?
The smell in nail salons is caused by the chemicals in the various treatments they offer. If there is good air flow and plenty of fresh air, then it is not likely that much of the chemicals will get into the body by breathing the fumes. But if you have headaches, dizziness, or nausea while around nail care products, take a break and get some fresh air outside.

So what’s the take-away?
Go ahead, pamper yourself this Mother’s Day with pretty nails! Using these cosmetic products as part of routine nail treatments should not cause you any concern, as there are no known increased risks for your pregnancy or your breastfed baby.

If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy or breastfeeding, contact an expert at MotherToBaby. You can reach us by phone at 866-626-6847 or by text at 855-999-3525. You can also email or live chat with us by visiting https://MotherToBaby.org.

Alfred Romeo, RN, PhD, is a nurse and health educator with the MotherToBaby Utah affiliate, a partnership between the Utah Department of Health and University of Utah. He has been with MotherToBaby Utah for nine years and has served as the chair of various committees with the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists / MotherToBaby. His experiences include working as a nurse in newborn intensive care units, training medical homes to improve services for children with special needs, and training young adults with disabilities in leadership and advocacy.

About MotherToBaby
MotherToBaby is a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), suggested resources by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or try out MotherToBaby’s new text information service by texting questions to (855) 999-3525. You can also visit MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets about dozens of viruses, medications, vaccines, alcohol, diseases, or other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding or connect with all of our resources by downloading the new MotherToBaby free app, available on Android and iOS markets.

The post Nailing Down the Facts: Nail Treatment Safety in Pregnancy appeared first on MotherToBaby.

Gardens are blooming, kids are out of school, beaches and parks are crowded, and the sun is shining. Ahhh….Summer is here again! With more skin showing during these warm summer months, it’s important to protect our skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen. But what do we know about the safety of sunscreen products during pregnancy? Should pregnant moms avoid sunscreen? What if the day is overcast and cloudy? These are questions I’m getting often these days as a teratogen information specialist at MotherToBaby. So let me share with you what I tell women who contact our service…

First, there’s a misunderstanding that when the sun is not directly shining, like when it’s overcast, we are protected from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV-A and UV-B). So let me shine a light on the issue (no pun intended). Because the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds, everyone – including children and pregnant women – is vulnerable to sunburns, even on cloudy days. Damage to our skin that is caused by the sun can lead to long-term issues, including premature aging as well as skin cancer.. Prevention is key. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen are all important in reducing the risk of sunburns and skin cancer.

So what about sunscreen safety during pregnancy?

Sunscreen alone is not fully protective. However, it certainly can provide added protection for the skin and reduce the risk from sunburn. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends everyone use sunscreen. Pregnant or not, choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Water resistant with a high sun protection factor (SPF) really helps, too; the AAD recommends using a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s rays.1

The ingredients in sunscreen products in the U.S. have to go through a specific approval process. They must be reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their safety before they hit shelves. Unfortunately, there is not one preferred choice for pregnant women. However, it is reassuring that to date there is no published information suggesting that sunscreens cause an effect to the developing fetus/unborn baby. Additionally, sunscreen use can help prevent blistering sunburns, which can become easily infected and lead to other complications for a pregnant woman.

So what do our counselors at MotherToBaby recommend that pregnant women do? Before you head out the door, cover up with cool, breathable long sleeve clothing; wear a hat to protect your head and face; apply sunscreen on any areas of your skin that are exposed; and try to stay under shaded areas, when possible. Our last bit of advice? Enjoy your summer!

Robert Felix is a teratogen information specialist at MotherToBaby California, a non-profit affiliate of the international Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). Robert is the current president of MotherToBaby and is based at UC San Diego’s Center for Better Beginnings. MotherToBaby CA answers questions over the phone as well as via live chat and email through www.MotherToBabyCA.org.

MotherToBaby is a service of the international non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), a suggested resource by many agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Women’s Health. If you have questions about medications, diseases, vaccines or other exposures, call MotherToBaby toll-FREE at 866-626-6847 or visit www.MotherToBaby.org to browse a library of fact sheets and to find your nearest affiliate.

References:

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Suncreen FAQs. Available from, https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs Accessed July 6, 2015.

The post Looking On The Sunnyside: Sunscreen Use During Pregnancy appeared first on MotherToBaby.