Stay Beautiful! The Treatments to Get (and Skip) While Pregnant

Back pain, swollen ankles, and endless amounts of hair. We don't always feel — or look — our best when we're expecting, so sometimes a little pregnancy pampering is required to keep spirits high. But before booking an afternoon at the spa, make sure your day of beauty won't do any harm to baby. Here, the treatments to indulge in during your pregnancy and a few you'll want to skip.

Massages
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Massages

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Enjoy a rub down (or two) while you're expecting. Massages are highly encouraged by the American Pregnancy Association, as they help moms relax, reduce their pain, and improve labor conditions. Since lying on the stomach is a no-no during pregnancy, make sure to find a masseuse that offers side massages or owns a pregnant belly table.

Facials
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Facials

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With hormone levels constantly changing, pregnancy can take a toll on your skin. Facials are a great way to freshen your skin and highlight that pregnancy glow. However, not all treatments are safe for moms-to-be. Avoid abrasive treatments, aromatherapy, chemical peels, hot stones, and anything involving electric stimulation.

Teeth Whitening
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Teeth Whitening

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You may take pride in your pearly whites, but they will have to take a backseat for nine months. Both at-home and in-office procedures rely on peroxide, which can cause tissue damage to the fetus. Though the topic hasn't been thoroughly researched, dentists suggest expectant moms err on the side of caution.

Manicure
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Manicure

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Nails tend to grow faster when you're pregnant, so it's important to keep them trim and tidy. While inhaling chemicals associated with nail care could harm you and your baby, the salon's ventilation will prevent that from happening. If you're concerned, feel free to give yourself an at-home mani pedi.

Tanning Bed
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Tanning Bed

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Doctors highly discourage pregnant women from soaking up the sun — especially if it's a fake bake. The bed's high temperatures raise your body temperature to levels that can harm your developing baby.

Spray Tan
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Spray Tan

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If you can't stand a pale complexion, spray tanning is a safe option. Since the products stain the skin — not seep into it — you don't have to worry about absorbing harmful chemicals. Inhaling the chemicals, however, can be dangerous, so make sure to cover your eyes, nose, ears, and mouth before a spray.

Waxing
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Waxing

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Pregnancy hormones may cause hair to grow faster and even in unexpected places. Luckily, waxing is a safe way to remove those unwanted strands. But be warned: skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, which makes the procedure more painful than before.

Perm
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Perm

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Say so long to curly locks. If the blood stream absorbs the chemicals, it could pose a threat to your future child. Pregnancy perms are also a bad idea for aesthetic reason. The abundance of hormones could change the way your hair reacts to chemicals, leaving you with frizzy locks.

Hair Dye
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Hair Dye

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Some dyes contain traces of lead, which can affect fetal and postnatal development. That being said, you don't have to leave your locks colorless. Highlights and lowlights are baby-friendly options, as the chemicals do not come into contact with the scalp.

Sauna
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Sauna

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A steam may sound great, but the high temperatures could lead to birth defects — especially if it occurs during the first trimester. Skip saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for the next nine months, and enjoy them after you give birth.