Newborn Photography, Pregnancy Photoshoot, pregnancy tips, Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care
Welcome to the world of pregnancy-safe skin care!
Pregnancy is an incredible time for you and your body goes through a tremendous period of change over the duration of your pregnancy. Throughout your
pregnancy journey, your skin will change and as a result, your skincare routine may need to be adapted.
To ensure that you and your baby remain safe during your pregnancy you may need to remove products from your skincare setup. You may also find that your skin texture or pH changes during your pregnancy and requires a completely different set of products.
In this article, we will guide you through the ideal pregnancy-safe skincare products to use during your pregnancy and which products you should avoid until after your baby arrives.
The Importance of Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can change the appearance of your skin and how it reacts to certain skincare products. A product you may have used for years may leave your skin feeling dry or lead to breakouts. Knowing what ingredients are in your skincare and how to care for your skin during pregnancy will keep both you and your baby safe during pregnancy.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Changes to your skin during pregnancy are common and quite frequent. Changes in hormone levels are responsible for this, along with changes to your cardiovascular system and immune function during pregnancy.
While some women experience 9 months of pure complexion perfection and “pregnancy glow”, others experience at least one less favorable new or worsening skin issue – which makes a good skin care routine all the more important.
The most common are:
- Dry skin
- Darkening skin (a condition called melasma or chloasma)
- Acne
People with pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, may also experience a change in their symptoms (for better or worse).
Safe Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy
Let’s begin our journey through pregnancy-Safe Skin Care products with an overview of ingredients that are considered safe to use.
Cleansing
Cleansing is an important part of any skincare routine, however, you may need to adapt what you use during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your skin will be more sensitive so opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid any harsh ingredients and abrasive exfoliants.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is paramount, especially during pregnancy when your skin can be more prone to pigmentation changes. Using a high SPF is important to protect the skin, however, the type of sun cream is also important. Chemical sunscreens can be harmful during pregnancy so choose a natural zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based sun cream instead.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a wonder ingredient that plumps and hydrates the skin and helps to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a safe ingredient to use during pregnancy and can greatly help if your skin is feeling dry. It can be used anywhere on the body, and for best results use on damp skin before your moisturiser.
Natural Oils
Next in our list of Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care ingredients: natural oils.
Natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil can be great for the skin and safe to use to moisturise your body. Natural oils in virgin or cold-pressed forms are free from harmful chemicals and can be very beneficial to your skin, especially during pregnancy, to help reduce stretch marks and combat dryness.
Fragrance-Free Products
Products that contain fragrance can be irritating to the skin and increase the chance of an allergic skin reaction. Fragrances are unnecessary in skincare and synthetic fragrances can cause skin sensitivity which is the last thing you need during your pregnancy. Choose instead fragrance-free products that are natural and minimise the risk of irritation.
Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Before using your favourite skincare or beauty product it is worth checking that it is safe to use during pregnancy.
Some products can be irritating to the skin whereas others can include hormone-disrupting chemicals so it’s a good idea to review all your beauty products before using them during pregnancy, this includes everything from face cream to nail polish, hairsprays, and shampoos.
Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids are a favored ingredient in skincare however, high doses of retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy, as they may be associated with birth defects. Avoid products containing tretinoin (Retin-A), and high levels of retinol.
Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in many cleansers and generally is safe during pregnancy as long as it is used in low percentages. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before using salicylic acid, either on the face or on the body.
Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is used to lighten the skin and dark spots, however, it is advised to avoid the use of this ingredient during pregnancy due to concerns about possible impacts on fetal development.
Parabens: Parabens are used as a preservative in skincare and beauty products such as shampoos and conditioners. Parabens are known as endocrine disruptors and should be avoided during pregnancy. There are many brilliant paraben-free products on the market and many are clearly labeled as paraben-free.
Chemical Sunscreens: During pregnancy, your skin absorbs any product you place on it which in turn enters your bloodstream. Some chemical sunscreens are not advisable to use during pregnancy because the chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream. However, sun protection is important so choose natural-based sunscreens to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Essential Oils: It is unsure whether essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy. Essential oils containing phthalates have been known to have endocrine-disrupting potential, and studies on animals have shown that phthalates have had an impact on fetal health. So it is safer to steer clear of essential oils during pregnancy.
*If you are having a massage during your pregnancy, check if the masseuse is using pregnancy-safe oils or ask to provide your own natural oils such as almond oil.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider
If you have any concerns about the types of products that are safe to use during pregnancy it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.
A pharmacist will also be able to give good advice on products that are safe during pregnancy. However, if you notice any major differences in your skin such as the sudden appearance of a lesion or rash you should consult your doctor immediately for advice.
Final thoughts on Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care
It is good to remember that every pregnancy is different and what works for you may not be the same for someone else. When it comes to skincare during pregnancy you may need to go through a period of trial and error to find products that work for you and your skin. As long as the products that you are using are safe for pregnancy.
It is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are using safe products during pregnancy. However, the tips we have given above are great starting points for conducting your own research on the products on your beauty shelf, to ensure that the products you use are safe for you and your baby.
Antenatal Classes Spalding, Pregnancy Photoshoot, pregnancy tips
As a new parent-to-be, joining an antenatal class in Spalding can be an excellent way to prepare for the arrival of your baby. If you are expecting your first baby, an antenatal class is the ideal way to learn vital information you may need for pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for your baby once they are born.
Antenatal classes vary from class to class, however, they are usually taught by a trained childbirth professional or an experienced midwife. Expectant mothers can learn about what to expect during their pregnancy and how to recognise the signs of labour and how to create a positive birth experience.
Hypnobirthing is a popular antenatal class to take to help expectant mothers learn relaxation techniques that are useful during pregnancy and can prepare mothers-to-be during childbirth. Other pregnancy classes include pregnancy yoga and mums-to-be can also enlist the help of experienced doulas to help them through pregnancy and childbirth.
Antenatal classes are also a great way to meet other parents in your area who are expecting a baby at the same time as you. Making connections with other parents can greatly help when your baby arrives to support you into parenthood.
To help you find the ideal antenatal class we have compiled a list of the five best antenatal and pregnancy classes available in the Spalding, and Lincolnshire area.
inHale is run by Hayley Cockayne, who is a fully qualified Perinatal educator, and offers antenatal support classes to expectant mothers in the East Midlands. inHale offers a selection of classes and courses aimed at expectant parents including pregnancy relaxation classes and full antenatal courses.
The inHale Birth to Baby Antenatal course is comprehensive and includes 15 hours of teaching, spread over six sessions. The classes aim to inform expectant parents of their options when it comes to giving birth and provide full information about pain relief, breathing techniques, relaxation and birth hypnosis, and postnatal recovery and self-care.
The Birth to Baby Antenatal class takes place in Hayley’s home based in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire, and also goes into great detail about how to care for your baby during the first few weeks postnatal.
Unique Births offers new parents a range of exciting antenatal and parenting classes in the Market Deeping area. Classes on offer include a free pregnancy club, group antenatal classes, private one-to-one antenatal courses, pregnancy relaxation classes, and online hypnobirthing courses.
Unique Births Antenatal courses are taught by fully trained and experienced teachers and have a modern approach. The course covers valuable birth prep information and helps to create your birth plan and a plan for feeding your baby postnatally. The course includes a focus on feeding your baby and there is also time built in to socialise with other expectant parents in the group.
Unique Births also offers a Paediatric First Aid course, which covers children from newborn to 18 years old, and a Pregnancy Relaxation class. The Pregnancy Relaxation class, taught over four weeks, teaches expectant mothers how to relax and sleep better and helps prepare mothers for birth.
Tilly Birth and Baby is run by Tilly McGill, a mother of two and an experienced birthing coach, offering classes in Lincoln, Hykeham, and the surrounding areas.
Parent classes with Tilly incorporate traditional antenatal course information, active birth, and hypnobirthing to create a comprehensive antenatal class to aid women. The course included 15 hours of learning and birth prep to help expectant parents prepare for childbirth and caring for their babies.
The course covers birth plans, massage in labour, what to pack in your hospital bag, and tips on feeding your baby. Tilly also offers private antenatal classes if group settings do not appeal and a weekly baby massage class for tiny babies between 6 weeks and 5 months.
Active Nurther is run by Carly, a mother and a qualified pre and postnatal exercise specialist and yoga teacher. Carly offers yoga and exercise classes for mums-to-be online. Classes are offered in a group setting or on a one-to-one basis and can be completed from the comfort of your own home.
Pregnancy yoga classes with Carly include Yoga for mums and mums-to-be, Yoga with a Birth Ball which helps expectant mothers to reduce pain and promote active labour, and Nurturing Bumps, a class aimed at supporting women during their pregnancy through exercise over 7 weeks.
All of Carly’s classes are very affordable and cost under £10 per session. Carly aims to help women feel confident and comfortable in their pregnancy and is available to talk through course options with anyone thinking about taking a pregnancy yoga class.
Laura Jane is a mother experienced parent and birthing coach. Laura Jane offers doula services, hypnobirthing classes, and NCT antenatal classes in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire area.
Birth Doula services include one-to-one support for mothers and couples through pregnancy, labour, and the weeks of caring for their baby. Laura Jane can help couples to navigate the NHS birth services and help communicate the needs of mothers during labour and birth. Laura Jane’s doula services include three antenatal support meetings to discuss birth preferences and techniques, and continuous support through labour and postnatal care.
Laura Jane also offers hypnobirthing
sessions in group settings or private one-to-one meetings. The hypnobirthing sessions include 15 hours of teaching and cover relaxation techniques. Laura Jane also offers caesarean support and a tailored hypnobirthing workshop specifically for this type of birth.
NCT antenatal course runny Laura Jane offers group sessions to teach expectant parents about labour, birth, and early parenting. These sessions follow the NCT course content and include birth prep, breathing exercises different labour options, and perinatal mental health support.
Counting Down The Days?
Don’t forget to check out Pregnancy Photoshoot and Newborn Photoshoot at our Specialist Photography Studio in Spalding. We look forward to welcoming you!
Mummy and Me, Newborn Photography, Pregnancy Photoshoot, pregnancy tips
Looking for some tips to keep your baby safe in Summer? You’re in the right place!
When it comes to the summer sun the last thing you want is a hot and bothered baby, however keeping them cool can be tricky. Persuading a baby or toddler to keep their hat on is a never-ending battle and you can get lost trying to figure out which of the many sun creams you should use.
In this guide, we will give you some excellent tips for keeping your baby cool when the temperatures soar. From avoiding sunburn to picking the best suncream we will cover the basics so you are ready for that high summer heat.
Avoiding sunburn and heatstroke
Regardless of your baby’s age, if the temperatures are high it’s best to avoid being outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day between 11 am to 3 pm. Remember babies under the age of 6 months have very sensitive skin and should be kept out of direct intense sunlight.
Seek the shade
If you can not avoid the midday sun, then seek the shade whenever possible. Walk on the shadier side of the street and take shelter during the midday sun. If you are out and about take a break at a nearby cafe or restaurant, especially if it has air conditioning. Shopping centres, local libraries, and art galleries are also great places to hide from the sun with babies.
Drink plenty of water
To help avoid heat stroke make sure your baby stays hydrated.
- If your baby is under 6 months and you are breastfeeding you may need to offer them feeds more often. Your breastmilk should contain all the water they need and will adapt to quench their thirst.
- For bottle-fed babies, you can offer your child a small drink of cooled boiled water after they have been fed.
- For babies that are weaning, you can offer them a drink of water with their food.
- Babies over the age of 12 months should be offered cool water as a regular drink more often during the hot summer months.
Keep your baby safe in Summer: Cover up in the sun
Even when it’s hot you can still protect your baby’s delicate skin by dressing them in loose breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Choose outfits that have long loose sleeves to cover their arms or layer with a lightweight cardigan so their skin is not in direct sunlight.
Don’t forget their sunhats, which you can buy with under-the-chin straps to help prevent the battle to keep the sunhat on. You can also help to protect your baby’s eyes with baby-sized sunglasses that meet the British Standard for UV protection and have the CE mark on their label.
If you are spending the day at the beach, invest in an all-in-one swimsuit that covers your baby’s arms and legs. This will help keep them protected from the sun even on the beach. Many baby swimsuits include high SPF protection too, although you should always double up with suncream to be safe.
Try to avoid the temptation to cover your pram with a muslin or blanket. Even if it shades them from the sun, it can dramatically raise the temperature inside the pram and increase the risk of heatstroke. Instead, use a flexible sun parasol that fits onto your pram or buy a specific sun shade that has been designed to be well-ventilated.
Always wear your suncream
There are many different suncreams available and the one you choose will depend on your baby’s age and skin sensitivity. Although suncream alone will not protect your baby from sun damage it can prevent them from burning. Remember to apply suncream to your baby half an hour before they are going to be in the sun and choose your suncream wisely.
Pick a high SPF such as SPF 50 and make sure that the suncream includes a high UVA and UVB protection score. Many well-known brands have suncream designed specifically for children with fewer chemicals that irritate their skin. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo is a great choice for sensitive baby and toddler skin. You can also buy mineral-based sunscreens such as Aveeno Baby Zinc Oxide suncream that is kinder to your baby’s skin.
Suncream will need to be reapplied throughout the day, especially if they are playing in the water or going swimming. Make sure to reapply suncream as soon as they are out of the water or choose a waterproof suncream with a high SPF.
Additional summer sun ideas
Summer Sun Advice: Tips to Keep Baby Safe in Summer
Accessories such as pram fans and a cool bath, before they go to bed, can help them cope with high summer temperatures. Keep your baby’s room cool by keeping the blinds closed during the day and purchase a room thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.
Final thoughts on keeping baby safe in summer
By following all these tips you will be able to have a fun and enjoyable summer while also staying sun safe. It is worth remembering that young babies are unable to regulate their own temperature until they are around three months, so you should limit the time they are exposed to the sun or out and about in high temperatures.
Making sure your baby is kept safe by buying appropriate clothing, suncream, and accessories for summer will help protect them during the summer months and will also ensure that their skin is protected in the long term.
Know the signs of heatstroke and what to do
Although it is ideal to avoid the intense sun during summer, it is also good to know the signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in a baby.
During the high heat of the summer months be on the lookout for the following symptoms of heat stroke in a baby:
- A high temperature of over 39 degrees
- Rapid pulse
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or floppiness
- Shallow breathing.
If you are worried that your baby has heat stroke
make sure to get them out of the sun as soon as possible. Call 999 or take your baby to A&E immediately if they show the above signs of heatstroke.
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