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Beauty Q & A II

By Hope Ricciotti, M.D.
2009-09-25 10:44:36

Q My friend said not to have a bikini waxing or use a home depilatory during pregnancy. Is there a danger to the baby?
A No, there is no danger to the baby from bikini waxing or using a home depilatory. Most women find an increase in hair growth during pregnancy, especially on the lower abdomen, around the nipples and on other unwanted areas. Some women find they have a bit more pain with hair removal during pregnancy than when they are not pregnant, but others don't notice a difference.

Q I am in my tenth week of pregnancy and seem to be developing large brown spots on my face. I'm pale, so it really shows, even under makeup. I read about the "mask of pregnancy." Is the pigmentation permanent, and is there anything I can do to reduce it?
A Melasma, or the "mask of pregnancy," is very common on the face during pregnancy. The condition is stimulated by sunlight acting on cells in the skin — called melanocytes — that make pigment, so any sun-exposed area can develop these spots. Melasma is most noticeable and occurs most commonly in the face, as the face is more likely to be in the sun. More research is needed, but melasma is thought to be due in part to the hormone estrogen, since it can also develop in women taking birth-control pills. The best way to avoid getting these spots is to keep your face out of the sun. Most cases of melasma resolve completely after the pregnancy. The condition may take several months postpartum to fully disappear. Dermatologists can treat the cases that don't with bleaching (depigmenting) agents.

Q Are laser treatments for hair removal or skin refining harmful during pregnancy?
A Theoretically, no, since the laser beam is targeted very superficially and should not affect the fetus. However, there are no studies about the safety of laser in pregnancy, and thus, most ob/gyns tell their patients to avoid it.

Q I usually have a facial each month. Is there any reason I shouldn't continue now that I'm pregnant?
A A facial will not cause harm in pregnancy, but you may find that your skin is more sensitive because of the enhanced blood flow and tissue swelling in pregnancy. Most estheticians are aware of this and use more gentle techniques, so be sure to let your esthetician know you are pregnant.

Q I do daily power walking to stay in shape, and was wondering if I'm overdoing it. I'm in my third month of pregnancy.
A Recommendations for exercise in pregnancy are individualized and based upon common sense. Be sure to stay hydrated, avoid getting overheated, and decrease your activity if you experience any pain while walking. Be aware that sometimes in pregnancy you'll be fine during the actual walk, but later in the day, or the next day, you'll develop back or hip pains. Thus, moderation and staying in close touch with your body's signals are key. Your body will tell you your limits far better than anyone. Of course, if you have any pregnancy complications like bleeding or premature labor, consult your ob/gyn.

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