During your pregnancy, you're bound to have many concerns about how your lifestyle, or certain substances you're exposed to either at home or work, could affect your baby. Here are answers to some common questions.
Is it safe to color my hair while I'm pregnant?
There's no proof that the chemicals in hair dyes cause birth defects, miscarriages, or any other complications--nor are there reliable studies that prove these substances are safe. Because we don't yet know enough about these chemicals, some doctors say that pregnant women should avoid hair dyes (or at least minimize their contact with them), especially during the first trimester.
Highlighting or streaking your hair, both processes that involve less scalp contact, may be safer. Vegetable-based products, such as henna, are also considered safe. If you decide to color your hair yourself, wear plastic or latex gloves to minimize absorption of the chemicals through your skin, and don't leave the product on your scalp any longer than necessary.
Is it safe for me to paint the baby's nursery?
It's probably safer to let someone else paint the nursery for you. All paints contain chemicals, and few have undergone safety studies vis-a-vis pregnancy. If you do decide to help paint the nursery, be sure there is good ventilation (keep the windows open), wear gloves and protective clothing, and don't eat or drink in the room you're painting.
Some studies suggest that women who work with solvents called glycol ethers, present in some paints, have an increased risk of miscarriage. Other solvents are also suspected of causing miscarriage and possibly birth defects. Oil-based paints and paint thinners contain more solvents than do their water-based counterparts--but all paints contain numerous ingredients of unknown safety.
