Pregnant women tend to sweat a lot more when compared to others. The reason for this is primarily due to the increased amount of hormone production which results in the excess working of the sweat and sebaceous glands in addition to the fatty acids produced due to stress while pregnant. So it almost feels like a difficult task to stay completely away from deodorants and perfumes while you are pregnant.
But do you think all deodorants are safe to use during pregnancy? Pregnancy is a time when your body undergoes a lot of changes inside and out including changes in skin sensitivity. Therefore you should be very careful while choosing a deodorant, a closer look at the composition seems like a necessity. This article will give you an overview of the safety regarding the usage of fragrances during pregnancy and what deodorants you should consider using.
Is It Safe To Use Deodorants While Pregnant?
Generally, the usage of deodorants and perfumes is considered safe as they seem to stay only on the skin surface and not get absorbed however usage of chemical-based deodorants is to be avoided at any cost. You should always opt for natural fragrances while you are pregnant. You should also be aware of the possible allergic reaction you might face when exposed to certain smells during pregnancy. Discussing with your doctor seems like a better way to deal with that.
There is a list of natural antiperspirants that are available in the market today that are both good and safe to use during pregnancy. Look for perfumes and deodorants containing Essential Oils, Plant Oils, Probiotics, Vegetable Starch, Zinc, Magnesium, Shea Butter, Baking Soda, etc as ingredients. You can also make your own customized deodorant using ingredients that can help in managing body odors.
Understanding the risks
Since the sense of smell heightens during pregnancy, pregnant women are unable to tolerate even the slightest amount of smell. Hence the smell of deodorants and perfumes might appear stronger than usual and is at risk of making them feel nauseous and cause other health issues as well. It is advised to avoid any kind of perfumes during the initial trimester as there is a higher risk of worsening the morning sickness in that case.
Another thing that you should keep in mind while purchasing a deodorant is to check the ingredient list. Make sure the deodorant that you choose is completely free from any sort of chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Most of them tend to contain chemicals such as parabens that can negatively affect the growth and development of the fetus. Moreover, the synthetic fragrances can cause allergy or irritation to the skin of the pregnant women.
What is the right amount?
Most doctors advise limiting the use of any sort of deodorant or perfumes during pregnancy. The risk of nausea in pregnant women is high when exposed to certain smells so make sure to limit the usage of deodorants and perfumes.
Try out aromatic products in a limited amount and stay away from products with strong smells. It is always better to opt for natural ways instead of chemicals as they are free from side effects. The same applies to the body lotions and creams that you use. Try to avoid exposure to new products and smells.
Deodorants to avoid
There are certain deodorants and perfumes that you should avoid while pregnant. Fragrances that contain chemicals such as parabens, silica, petroleum by-products, formaldehyde, etc are to be strictly avoided at any cost. You should also stay away from products that contain aluminum as it can cause serious health issues even with the slightest exposure.
Phthalates are found in most perfumes to provide fragrance but it is considered to be one of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can cause premature birth and other gestational conditions so it is always better to avoid fragrance-based products while you are pregnant.
Even though the labels of certain products skip the mention of phthalates, it is most likely to contain phthalate substitutes which can cause potential harm. It is always better to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding the safety of perfumes and deodorants during pregnancy, limiting the usage is mostly preferred.
Conclusion
Using any self-care products requires much attention and care while you are pregnant as it can affect both the health of you and your baby. If you want to use deodorants or perfumes, use them in a minimal quantity, and try to choose a product after carefully going through the product label. You can always opt for deodorants with mild smells rather than strong ones that contain natural ingredients instead of chemical ones to ensure safety. Discussing your concerns with your doctor can help you make better decisions as what you might receive from others is only general information, not specific ones.
