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  • Ectopic Pregnancy FAQ’s

    An ectopic pregnancy or tubal pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Most are in a fallopian tube, but occasionally the egg may attach elsewhere, such as in an ovary, in the cervix or other places in the abdomen.

    The narrow fallopian tubes are not designed to hold a growing baby, so the fertilized egg in a tubal pregnancy cannot develop normally. Eventually, the thin walls of the tube stretch to the point of bursting. If that happens, it is potentially life-threatening for the woman, because of the high risk of internal bleeding and hemorrhage. If the tube bursts, it could destroy it’s ability to carry fertilized eggs on their way to the uterus in future pregnancies.

    What Causes An Ectopic Pregnancy & Who’s At Risk?

    Most ectopic pregnancies are caused by the inability of the fertilized egg to make it’s way through a fallopian tube into the uterus. This is often caused by infections such as a ruptured appendix or an inflammation caused pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause the tube to become party or entirely blocked.

    Scar tissue left behind from a previous infection or abdominal surgery may also interfere with the egg’s movement. Also, a condition called endometriosis; where bits of tissue (the tissue that lines the uterus) escape the uterus and become implanted on other pelvic organs- can cause scar tissue to block the fallopian tubes. This can interfere with conception or prevent the fertilized egg from arriving in the uterus.

    Another possible cause of ectopic pregnancy is an abnormally shaped tube, which may be the result of abnormal growths or even a birth defect.

    The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in women over 35 and women who have had previous ectopic pregnancies. Also, the use of an intrauterine device (IUD), surgery on a fallopian tube, several induced abortions, infertility problems or medication taken to stimulate ovulation increases the chances of an ectopic pregnancy.

    more on Ectopic Pregnancy

    —Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
    —Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
    —After an Ectopic Pregnancy
    —Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

  • Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

    Most often treatment of ectopic pregnancy is surgically. Usually the doctor’s goal is to remove the pregnancy while preserving fertility.

    Which technique the doctor uses (laparoscopy or laparotomy) will depend on the medical status of the woman. Laparotomy involves a large incision, which takes longer to recover from. Laparoscopy is a less extensive technique, which involves a smaller incision made near or in the naval. The surgeon inserts a long, thin instrument, called a laparoscope, into the pelvic area. The instrument is a hollow tube with a light on one end. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair or remove the affected fallopian tube.

    Occasionally, treatment with a medication called methotrexate can be used to dissolve an ectopic pregnancy, in a non-emergency situation. Because of the need for early diagnosis and because the drug (which is a cancer drug) has many side effects, it may not be suitable for all women.

    more on Ectopic Pregnancy

    —Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
    —Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
    —After an Ectopic Pregnancy
    —Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

  • Ectopic Symptoms

    Ectopic pregnancy differs from other losses because many parents are unaware they even have conceived. In many cases, a pregnant woman and her doctor may not have had any reason to suspect an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. A growing baby, pushing on a tiny fallopian tube can cause great pain, even before the pregnancy is confirmed.

    Pain is usually the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy. The pain may be in the pelvis, abdomen or even the shoulder or neck (because the blood from a ruptured tubal pregnancy building up under the diaphragm). The pain is usually described as sharp and stabbing or crampy with tenderness starting on one side and often spreading throughout the abdomen.

    Brown vaginal discharge, spotting or bleeding can be intermittent or continuous and may last days or even weeks. Dizziness or light-headedness and fainting can also be warning signs. Other signs include tender breasts, nausea, vomiting and decreased blood pressure. However, it may be difficult for a doctor to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, because the symptoms can also be present in a normal pregnancy.

    more on Ectopic Pregnancy

    —Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
    —Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
    —After an Ectopic Pregnancy
    —Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

  • After an Ectopic Pregnancy

    There may be a loss of potential for future pregnancies if the fallopian tube was removed. This can be an additional loss. The outlook for future pregnancies after an ectopic or tubal pregnancy mainly depends on the extent of the surgery that was done.

    Although the chances of having a successful pregnancy are lower after an ectopic pregnancy, they are still good, especially if the fallopian tube was spared. Even if one fallopian tube was removed, an egg can be fertilized in the other tube.

    If both tubes were lost, the woman may be somewhat relieved and devastated at the same time, because there may be an end to years of trying to conceive. There may be difficult decisions to face about adoption, in vitro fertilization or no more pregnancies.

    After treatment of an ectopic pregnancy, the woman will most likely need to be seen by her doctor on a regular basis to recheck her HCG level until it reaches zero. An HCG level that remains high could indicate that the ectopic tissue was not entirely removed.

    Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy may be painful both physically and emotionally. Once the crisis is over, some women find themselves relieved to know the cause o their pain. They may also begin to experience a wide range of emotions- relief, sadness, anger, guilt and possibly a sense of failure.

    A woman who has experienced an ectopic pregnancy may feel the need to talk about her experience over and over again. Talking with a supportive person can help her recognize her own feelings about the loss. There will always be reminders to the woman- of her ectopic pregnancy. A scar on her abdomen, dates on the calendar and even certain people she sees can trigger emotions and memories.

    Ectopic pregnancy is complex because the woman is faced with many different loss issues at the same time. It takes time to recover from an ectopic pregnancy and the changes it has made in the woman’s life. Some people need a few days, while others need months or even years.

    There is no right way to react to any kind of loss, including ectopic pregnancy. Some women may be completely devastated by it, while some might feel it is just an experience they have to live through. Some women may mourn deeply for their lost child, while some might feel somewhat relieved that they are no longer pregnant. The full impact of these feelings may not be realized initially. All of these emotions are normal. Feelings are not right or wrong- they just are.

    More on Ectopic Pregnancy

    —Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
    —Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
    —After an Ectopic Pregnancy
    —Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

  • Ectopic Pregnancy – Diagnose

    If the doctor suspects an ectopic pregnancy, he or she will probably perform a pelvic exam to locate the pain and tenderness. To test for an ectopic or tubal pregnancy, human chorionic gonadutropin (HCG), is measured by a blood test called a quantitative HCG.

    In a normal pregnancy, the level of this hormone approximately doubles about every two days. In an ectopic pregnancy, the rate of this increase is usually much slower. If the levels don’t increase as they should, an ectopic pregnancy is suspected.

    Sometimes, though, the woman may have a high HCG level with no sign of pregnancy inside the uterus. That is why ultrasound testing is also helpful in diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy.

    Progesterone is another hormone that can be measured to help in the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone may indicate that a pregnancy is abnormal.

    more on Ectopic Pregnancy

    —Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
    —Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis
    —After an Ectopic Pregnancy
    —Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

  • Cervix and Changes

    A combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Cervix, Changes and BBT

    Cervix, Changes and BBT

    bbt basal body temperatureA combination of charting your basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus and cervical position and shape will indicate when the most fertile time of your cycle is. Cervical change signals general fluctuations in your estrogen levels and can be very helpful and fairly reliable in predicting your fertility. Checking your cervical position and shape takes some practice. Also, to chart this particular sign, there are some guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.

    Your Cervical Changes and Shape

    Right after your period ends, the position of your cervix is low, hard and closed. At this point in your cycle, it should be easily reached by your fingertip and feel as if you are touching the tip of your nose. A firm, pointed shape generally indicates low estrogen and you are considered to be infertile during this time.

    As estrogen and fertility increase (immediately prior to ovulation), your cervix softens, opens up and rises to it?s highest point within your body so that it?s harder to reach. The opening increases as well, which makes the slit or tiny hole feel much larger, becoming more receptive to sperm, allowing them to make their way more easily through your cervix. Your cervix remains this way until after ovulation has taken place.

    Once ovulation has occurred- when estrogen levels suddenly drop, you can feel your hardened, closed cervix back in its lower (pre-ovulatory) position. Keep in mind that women who have given birth previously may notice that their cervix feels slightly open, even after ovulation. When the position of your cervix drops, it will become easy to reach once more. At this point, you are considered infertile once again and cannot get pregnant.

    You should begin observing your cervical position and shape the first day after your period ends. Cervical position can be monitored throughout the day and be done while checking your cervical mucus. Before checking your cervix, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. The best time to check it is right after you have showered. Sitting on the toilet or with one foot on the toilet seat (or bathtub) may be the most comfortable positions for checking your cervix. You can check your cervical position by gently inserting your finger and feeling for your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina. Record if it?s hard to reach (high position) or easier to reach (low position) and also if it feels firm or soft. It normally takes a few months to see all the changes in your cervix during your cycle and notice a pattern.

    –Tracking your basal body temperature (or BBT)
    –Observing changes in your cervical mucus
    –Monitoring your physical and emotional symptoms
    –Checking the position and shape of your cervix

    Read more on Fertility Charting

  • Pregnancy Stretch Marks and Skin

    Pregnancy Stretch Marks and Skin

    In pregnancy, your skin may begin to change right before your eyes. These changes are a very common and usually an expected part of pregnancy, although not every woman will experience all the same skin changes. Most skin changes during pregnancy can be blamed on the effects of various hormones. These ever-fluctuating pregnancy hormones can do some strange things to your skin, but most changes are not permanent and they tend to disappear within a few months after you give birth, although they generally come back in subsequent pregnancies. Except for affecting your appearance cosmetically, most common skin changes don’t harm you or your unborn baby in any way.

    Pregnancy Stretch Marks

    Stretch marks. We’ve all heard of them and we’ve all hoped they wouldn’t strike us during pregnancy, but the fact is 50- 90% of pregnant women are affected by them to some extent. Most appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips and thighs during the second and third trimesters. Keep your weight gain within the recommended range, apply a nourishing lotion to your stretching skin daily to keep it well moisturized and eat a sensible, well-balanced diet, as well as drink plenty of water to help keep your skin as healthy as possible.

    Pregnancy Glow

    One of the few desirable changes that may occur to your skin during pregnancy is often called, “the glow of pregnancy”. Friends and family (and complete strangers) may comment on it, while you may not even notice the difference. Hormonal changes and increased blood circulation tend to make your oil glands work overtime, causing your face to appear shinier than normal, as well as make your cheeks look rosier.

    Skin and Hormones

    There are a few less desirable skin changes you can expect during pregnancy. Hormonal changes are also responsible for the unwelcome and very aggravating change of pimple outbreaks (those oil glands working overtime). However, depending on your hormones and skin condition, you may not suffer from this problem at all. Occasionally, long-term acne conditions may actually clear up during pregnancy, if you are lucky. If you become bothered with acne breakouts, keep a strict cleansing routine, by washing your face twice a day (more often can lead to dry skin) with a mild over-the-counter cleanser. Stay away from medicated acne creams or scrubs, without checking with your doctor or midwife first, because some may contain substances that are not recommended for pregnant women.

    Skin Itching in Pregnancy

    Itchiness and dryness is a common problem during pregnancy, particularly in relation to your growing belly and breasts. The skin across your abdomen may become very itchy as it stretches and tightens, as well as your breasts as they enlarge. You may also find that your palms and/or soles are red and itchy, which is likely caused from higher estrogen levels. Try to avoid scratching, which may only aggravate the problem and make it worse. Instead, moisturize with lotion and avoid hot showers and baths (which you should already be avoiding during pregnancy). A warm oatmeal bath may help alleviate some of discomfort, if it becomes unbearable. You can buy pre-mixed oatmeal bath preparations at many drugstores. If you have bothersome itching that doesn’t go away or becomes worse, contact your doctor or midwife to make sure there’s not an underlying medical problem causing your symptoms.

    Rashes

    Sometimes during the last 1-2 months of pregnancy, women experience red, itchy, pimply skin eruptions. This is a common skin condition called “pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy” or PUPPP for short, which occurs in about one in every 150 pregnancies. It usually begins on the abdomen and spreads to the thighs, upper arms and sometimes the buttocks, but thankfully never the face. PUPPP is not harmful to you or your baby and will disappear after you give birth, although it can reappear in subsequent pregnancies, though it generally only appears during first pregnancies. Your doctor or midwife will most likely prescribe a topical anti-itch ointment or possibly an oral medication to help alleviate the intense itchiness.

    Pregnancy Mask

    Sometimes during the second trimester of pregnancy, women develop chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy”. Chloasma generally appears as irregular brown patches on your face. They are most common on the forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin, as a result of increased pigmentation caused by those wonderful pregnancy hormones at work once again. The good news is: they gradually will fade after delivery. There”s not a whole lot you can do to prevent Chloasma, but wearing a good sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight can help keep your skin from producing even darker pigmentation. Concealing makeup applied to your face can help even out facial tones. If any changes in skin pigmentation are accompanied by pain, tenderness or redness or if you notice any changes in the color or size of a mole, don’t hesitate to let your doctor or midwife know immediately.

    Linea Nigra

    During the last half of pregnancy, you may notice a dark line running down the middle of your belly from the top to the bottom. This is common and is called the “linea nigra”. This line is normally there, but those wacky pregnancy hormones tend to darken this line, making it more noticeable. Thankfully, it will fade back to normal after delivery.

  • Pregnancy and Hair

    Pregnancy and Hair

    pregnancy hairHair changes during pregnancy are common, although some women don’t notice any obvious changes at all. Some women notice changes beyond their growing belly and various aches and pains, including changes in their hair.

    Changes in hair when pregnant can vary widely, some good and some not-so-good. Some fortunate women experience more luxurious pregnancy hair that looks much fuller, thicker and shinier than before, while others may have undesirable changes including hair that appears thinner, more greasy, drier or more brittle. These affects are caused by an increase in the hormone estrogen, as well as increased circulation and blood supply to all areas of the body. In addition, prenatal vitamins help increase the health of your hair and may be contributing to your thicker, shinier mane.

    Hair Loss

    One major hair complaint in pregnancy is hair loss. Hair loss during pregnancy may be due to hormonal problems, including an overactive or underactive thyroid or a vitamin and mineral deficiency. Hair loss is common during pregnancy and even more so after delivery. The most common time related to pregnancy for hair loss is approximately three months after delivery. This shedding is called “telogen effluvium” and typically lasts less than 6 months, although the duration for hair to return to it’s normal pre-pregnancy density can be affected by many factors including breastfeeding, long-term stress as well as blood loss during delivery. Telogen effluvium affects somewhere between 40- 50% of pregnant women. Genetic thinning may be triggered or heightened after delivery and can result in a slow-thinning of the front hairline. Most hormonal changes that cause hair loss during pregnancy often resolves themselves as the body returns to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.

    Healthy Hair

    You don’t have to wait until after your new little one is born to have a healthier head of hair. There are a number of things you can do to improve your hair’s condition as well as reduce the extent of damage and hair loss. Taking your prenatal vitamins daily, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water (at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day) may be your best line of defense. For problems with dry hair, use a stronger conditioner and do deep-conditioning often. If your hair is brittle you may want to stay away from the hair dryer and allow it to simply air dry. If you must blow dry your hair or use other heated instruments, use a cooler or lower setting. If your hair is extra greasy, use a mild shampoo and wash it more frequently to get rid of excess oil. Avoid wearing your hair in ponytails, pigtails or braiding it, because it may pull your hair and place added stress on it, causing breakage. Wait until after delivery before perming and coloring your hair if you possibly can, which can damage your hair even further, on top of possibly causing harm to your unborn baby (especially during the first trimester).

    Hair Growth

    Increased hair growth and thickening may happen on parts of the body other than the head during pregnancy, including the face, arms, legs and even on the abdomen. Body hair in typically male-only spots is called, “Hirsutism” and tends to disappear within 6 months of delivery, although some may hang around longer. To be on the safe side, avoid using depilatories or bleach creams during pregnancy, since they work by using strong chemicals which may not react well with your skin and may also possibly seep into your skin; being absorbed into your bloodstream. There haven’t been any studies to show whether these creams are safe or not, which labels them as category C drugs and therefore it’s wise to steer clear of them until after delivery. Plucking and shaving may be your only good options during pregnancy.

  • Pregnancy Tanning

    Pregnancy Tanning

    tanning-pregnancyIf you are pregnant, you may be wondering if tanning during pregnancy is safe for your unborn baby. You may dread the thought of looking pale especially if you are used to seeing a sun glow when you look in the mirror.

    Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, there are many considerations to keep in mind regarding exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to too much sunlight and UVR can age your skin prematurely (causing wrinkles and age spots) and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

    Even without tanning, some pregnant women experience something commonly known as “the mask of pregnancy” or Chloasma, which appears as irregular brown patches on the face. This is caused by increased pigmentation due to hormones which rise during pregnancy. Sun exposure and tanning increases the risk that it will appear. If you have already developed Chloasma, using tanning beds or basking in the sun can make your skin produce even darker pigmentation, intensifying those unsightly dark patches. To avoid Chloasma, sun block and shade are your best bets.

    Tanning Beds

    All that said, in pregnancy tanning inside with a tanning bed is just as safe as tanning outside in the direct sunlight. Although the rays emitted by the bulbs in tanning beds can be as dangerous as the rays of the sun to skin tissues, those rays don’t penetrate far enough into the body to harm a developing baby. Even though there is no evidence that the UV light used in tanning beds reach the baby, there is still some controversy about tanning during pregnancy. Many doctors and midwives advise against using tanning beds (also exposure to the natural sun), while others recommend they be used with caution.

    Anything that will raise your core body temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds can be harmful to your unborn baby, including general over-exposure to the sun. Overheating (also called hyperthermia), particularly during the first trimester, can result in developmental damage to your baby, including spinal malformations. In addition, some studies have found a possible link between UV rays and folic acid deficiency, which is especially critical during the first trimester of pregnancy. Folic acid is responsible for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In addition, the heat produced from indoor as well as outdoor tanning can affect breast milk production because of the loss of fluids through perspiration.

    Tanning Precautions

    If you still feel that you must tan, there are some very important precautions you should follow. If you are going to use a tanning bed, consider shorter durations to prevent overheating, as well as burning. During pregnancy, your skin’s sensitivity to burning may be increased, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned. Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to prevent light-headedness and dehydration, whether indoors or outdoors. If you are using a tanning bed, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the tanning room and if you get uncomfortable or start to feel too warm, then get out, whether your session is over or not.

    Self-tanning products such as lotions, foams and creams may be safer to use to acquire that Summer glow, but some doctors and midwives recommend avoiding them also. Many creams and lotions are absorbed through the skin, and may even cross through the placenta to the baby. The main concern is whether the active ingredient in self-tanning products, dihydorxyacetone (DHA) is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some doctors and midwives encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe. Check with your doctor or midwife for the latest research about tanning during pregnancy and also before using any type of self-tanning products.

  • Is it Safe to Use a Tanning Bed While Pregnant

    Is it Safe to Use a Tanning Bed While Pregnant

    tanning bed while pregnantIf you are pregnant, you may be wondering if tanning while pregnant is safe for your unborn baby. You may dread the thought of looking pale especially if you are used to seeing a sun glow when you look in the mirror.

    Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, there are many considerations to keep in mind regarding exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to too much sunlight and UVR can age your skin prematurely (causing wrinkles and age spots) and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

    Even without tanning, some pregnant women experience something commonly known as “the mask of pregnancy” or Chloasma, which appears as irregular brown patches on the face. This is caused by increased pigmentation due to hormones which rise during pregnancy. Sun exposure and tanning increases the risk that it will appear. If you have already developed Chloasma, using tanning beds or basking in the sun can make your skin produce even darker pigmentation, intensifying those unsightly dark patches. To avoid Chloasma, sun block and shade are your best bets.

    Tanning Beds

    All that said, in pregnancy tanning inside with a tanning bed is just as safe as tanning outside in the direct sunlight. Although the rays emitted by the bulbs in tanning beds can be as dangerous as the rays of the sun to skin tissues, those rays don’t penetrate far enough into the body to harm a developing baby. Even though there is no evidence that the UV light used in tanning beds reach the baby, there is still some controversy about tanning during pregnancy. Many doctors and midwives advise against using tanning beds (also exposure to the natural sun), while others recommend they be used with caution.

    Anything that will raise your core body temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds can be harmful to your unborn baby, including general over-exposure to the sun. Overheating (also called hyperthermia), particularly during the first trimester, can result in developmental damage to your baby, including spinal malformations. In addition, some studies have found a possible link between UV rays and folic acid deficiency, which is especially critical during the first trimester of pregnancy. Folic acid is responsible for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. In addition, the heat produced from indoor as well as outdoor tanning can affect breast milk production because of the loss of fluids through perspiration.

    Tanning Precautions

    If you still feel that you must tan, there are some very important precautions you should follow. If you are going to use a tanning bed, consider shorter durations to prevent overheating, as well as burning. During pregnancy, your skin’s sensitivity to burning may be increased, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned. Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to prevent light-headedness and dehydration, whether indoors or outdoors. If you are using a tanning bed, make sure there is adequate ventilation in the tanning room and if you get uncomfortable or start to feel too warm, then get out, whether your session is over or not.

    Self-tanning products such as lotions, foams and creams may be safer to use to acquire that Summer glow, but some doctors and midwives recommend avoiding them also. Many creams and lotions are absorbed through the skin, and may even cross through the placenta to the baby. The main concern is whether the active ingredient in self-tanning products, dihydorxyacetone (DHA) is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some doctors and midwives encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe. Check with your doctor or midwife for the latest research about tanning during pregnancy and also before using any type of self-tanning products. A tanning bed while pregnant may or may not be a good idea.