Sorry if this sounds trivial but I've searched for most of today and cannot find any firm advice on product useage. Does anyone know if Estee Lauder products are safe to use during pregancy? I am 3 weeks gone and trying to weed out anything had might cause harm for me. I checked the Estee Lauder website but they do now have product information.
Does anyone know of a web site that advices which products are safe to use? I read lavender is not good for you during pregnancy - this surprised me as I find it very relaxing. I'm having a massage next week with Aveda products and want to know what's good and what's not.
Thanks so much.
nk
Hi nk
This is a really grey area. Are you asking which brands can you use during pregnancy or which ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy - as these are slightly different?
There is no set research into this, and anything that is given to you will be a person's own personal opinion as opposed to firm facts.
I am a complementary therapist, who specialises in treating women during all stages of pregnancy. I also have a background in skincare, brands and ingredients. I could give you my opinion, but that is all it would be. There are websites out there - but again it's more down to personal preferences as opposed to hard facts.
Having said that there are certain natural remedies (herbs and essential oils mostly) which should definetly be avoided during pregnancy. A company like Neal's Yard Remedies can probably give you a list of what is not suitable during pregnancy and should have something on their website as they sell natural remedies.
The best thing you can do is to contact each company's head office for the brands that you want to use and ask them which, if any, of their products are not pregnancy friendly.
I have many pregnancy clients who choose to only use certified organic and natural ingredients so go for more ethical brands.
The Women's Environment Network have got a link on their site where they've listed which brands do not use parabens, synthetic ingredients, no animal testing etc .
PM if you want more info.
Thanks
The problem for most products is that they have never had the chance to research properly if they are safe during pregnancy - after all how many pregnant women are going to volunteer themselves to a study for an adverse effects of a product?
This is why the common thing to see is a standard line of "pregnant or lactating women should consult a healthcare professional before taking this product".
That does not necessarily mean they could be harmful, simply that it has not been researched in most cases.
Some of the pregnancy / baby websites have also suggestions on what is good to avoid.
I know what you mean. I couldn't find definite info so i avoided just about everything apart from the basics. Probably not necessary but i didn't want to take any chances.