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Teeth Whitening Treatments
Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Teeth whitening treatments typically contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active bleaching agents. These are available in various concentrations in professional dental treatments, over-the-counter products, and custom trays. For individuals trying to conceive, teeth whitening is generally considered safe. No…
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Laser Hair Removal
Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy absorbed by hair pigment to damage follicles and reduce hair growth. Various types of lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are used for this purpose, with different wavelengths and energy settings. For individuals trying…
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Cosmetic Botox and Dermal Fillers
Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Botox (botulinum toxin) is used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid, are injectable substances used to restore volume and smooth lines in the face. For individuals trying…
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Nail Polish and Manicures
Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Traditional nail polishes and manicure products may contain various chemicals including toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, and ethyl acetate. Newer “non-toxic” formulations have eliminated some of these chemicals. For individuals trying to conceive, nail polish and manicures are generally considered safe when…
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Spray Tans
Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Spray tans contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive that reacts with amino acids in the skin’s surface to produce a temporary tan. Commercial spray tans may also contain fragrances, preservatives, and other additives. For individuals trying to conceive, spray tans are generally…
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Waxing
Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Waxing involves the application of warm or hot wax to the skin, which is then removed along with unwanted hair. The primary considerations for waxing during reproductive periods involve skin sensitivity, infection risk, and comfort rather than systemic effects. For individuals trying…
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Hair Dye
Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Hair dyes contain various chemicals including aromatic amines, phenols, and hydrogen peroxide. Modern hair dyes have been reformulated to reduce potentially harmful substances compared to earlier formulations. For individuals trying to conceive, hair dye is generally considered safe. No clinical evidence suggests…
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UTIs and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Understanding Results>Treatment Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, including some that affect the urinary tract. These changes can increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) or a condition called asymptomatic bacteriuria. While these conditions are common during pregnancy, understanding them can help ensure they’re detected and treated properly to…
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A Guide to Abnormal Findings on Fetal Anatomy Ultrasound
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Types of Abnormal Findings>What Comes Next The mid-pregnancy anatomy ultrasound, typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks, is an important milestone in prenatal care. This imaging test provides a detailed look at your developing baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, and maternal structures. While the vast majority of anatomy scans reveal healthy, normally…
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Pregnancy Termination Procedures
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Medication Abortion>Procedural Abortion>Recovery Making decisions about pregnancy often involves navigating complex emotions and detailed medical information. For those facing the difficult decision of pregnancy termination or experiencing the heartbreaking situation of ending a wanted pregnancy due to medical complications, understanding the technical aspects of the procedures can help prepare you for what…
