PREGNANCY: QUESTIONS ABOUT DYING, FOOD ADDITIVES AND DRINKS
Is it safe to use hair dyes during pregnancy?Though blondes – and I suspect brunettes and red-heads too have more fun, they should be aware that hair dyes are absorbed by the scalp, and the chemicals in those dyes can be transmitted to the fetus. This is not to say that they will cause congenital problems in the fetus, but the possibility exists and should not be ignored.My advice: if you want to colour your hair during pregnancy, ask your doctor about the ingredients in the specific product you are using.
I realize that no food additives are good for you, but I’m wondering if there are any that you know of that should be avoided by pregnant women in particular?Avoid all those that have been implicated as possible carcinogens, particularly:• Saccharin• Cyclamates• Sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate (used in most luncheon meats, hot dogs, and smoked or cured commercial products)• Artificial colorings (especially citrus Red No. 2, Orange B, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, and Yellow No. 5)• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)I’d also recommend avoiding as many artificial flavorings as possible, as well as quinine (which flavors tonic water and bitter lemon), as this has been implicated in causing birth defects; sulphur dioxide and sodium bisulphate (which can destroy vitamin Bi); MSG (monosodium glutamate; BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole); phosphoric acid and phosphates (which can cause dietary imbalances and have recently been implicated as a factor in the spreading of osteoporosis).
How dangerous, really, are coffee and alcohol for pregnant women? My mother drank coffee and alcohol during her pregnancy and had no problems.Your mother was lucky; other pregnant women might not be. Animal studies have shown that large amounts of caffeine (which coffee, cocoa, chocolate, cola, and many medications contain) may cause birth defects. And alcohol, even in moderate amounts (a couple of whiskies a night) can result in low infant birth weight, as well as cause physical or behavioral abnormalities in the child.Coffee substitutes are easily available at your health store. As for alcohol, I’d advise staying away from it completely. (A wine glass filled with sparkling salt-free seltzer and a wedge of lemon or lime can be psychologically and socially satisfying – and safe.) I’d also recommend checking the labels of any medication you’re taking to be sure they don’t contain either of these two drugs.*15/137/5*
