Everyone knows you shouldn’t smoke or drink when you’re pregnant. And if you didn’t know it, the product labels tell you. It’s a lot less clear, though, which beauty products may not be safe for pregnant women.

“Any material placed on the skin has the potential to be absorbed into the bloodstream and may be able to cross the placenta, so some caution is warranted,” says Andrew Healy, MD, an obstetrician at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass.

If you’re unsure what’s safe, take specific products to your doctor for analysis, recommends John Bailey, PhD, chief scientist for the Personal Care Products Council.

Whitening Teeth During Pregnancy: Paste Is Safe

Peroxide, the active ingredient in teeth whiteners, is safe for adults — even if you swallow some during the bleaching process, says Colleen Olitsky, DMD, a cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. “But there’s so much we don’t know about how substances affect babies during pregnancy. It’s wise to avoid teeth whitening products.”

“Use a whitening toothpaste instead,” says Dayna Salasche, MD, clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. “Most importantly, continue to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings.”

Hairspray and Nail Polish: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

Phthalates, which are found in many hair sprays and nail polishes, have been studied for a potential risk of causing birth defects. The FDA’s conclusion? The available data doesn’t establish an association between the use of phthalates in cosmetics and a human health risk.

“Phthalates have not been connected to birth defects in humans,” Healy says. “However, studies in animals have shown these substances interfere with male sexual development, so caution is warranted.”

To be on the safe side:

• Use phthalate-free nail polish. Or polish your nails in a well-ventilated area to limit your exposure. Once the polish dries, there’s little risk to your baby, since chemicals aren’t absorbed through the nails.
• Instead of using hairspray, which is easy to inhale, use mousse or gel.

Bronzing Your Belly: Self-Tanners and Sunscreens

Self-tanners haven’t been studied much in pregnant women. “An occasional self-tanner will do a lot less harm than a real tan or tanning beds,” says Judith Hellman, MD. She is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. “But for 9 months, you can survive without looking bronzed.”

Some sunscreens include oxybenzone; one recent study linked its absorption to low birth weight in baby girls. But this research didn’t prove that sunscreen was to blame.

“Sunscreen is extremely important because pregnancy hormones can make the skin more sensitive than normal,” Salasche says. If you’re concerned about its use, consider one of these options:

• Use a non-chemical sunscreen and wear a hat and other protective clothing while out in the sun.
• Use sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead. These ingredients block UV rays by sitting on top of the skin — meaning they’re not absorbed.

• Pregnancy Pimples? Get a Pro’s Advice

  Acne often gets worse during pregnancy because of hormone fluctuations. Talk to your doctor if you start breaking out. Prescription acne medicines, such as Accutane (isotretinoin), Retin-A (tretinoin), and tetracyclines are dangerous during pregnancy and can cause birth defects.

  “I prescribe topical medications that contain azelaic acid, erythromycin, or clindamycin,” says Jeanie Leddon, MD, PhD, a dermatologist in Lafayette, Colo. “Glycolic acid peels are also safe.” Some doctors may feel comfortable recommending very small amounts of cream with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic wash.

  It is safe to wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser two times a day. But don’t scrub.

  Healthy Hair Color: Highlights and Dyes

  Researchers haven’t examined the effects of hair dye on pregnant women, so some doctors recommend avoiding them.

  Other doctors are more lenient. “It’s thought that only a small amount of hair-treatment chemicals are absorbed into women’s skin, and this isn’t enough to cause problems to the fetus,” Leddon says. “Highlights that aren’t applied to the scalp may be fine.”

  As a conservative measure, avoid hair treatment during your first trimester — that’s when your developing baby is the most susceptible.

  In general, also avoid dyes and other treatments with ammonia because their fumes may cause nausea. To reduce irritation from hair coloring, treat hair in a well-ventilated room, wear gloves, and rinse well immediately after treatment.

  There’s No Reason to Be Led Away From Lipstick

  Lead is sometimes added to lipstick to make color long-lasting. In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 61% of brand-name lipsticks they tested contained lead. The FDA doesn’t consider lead in lipstick to be a safety concern, since lipstick isn’t ingested.

  “The contribution of lead-containing lipsticks [to lead poisoning] is unknown but probably fairly small,” Healy says. But the safest bet would be to use one of the many lead-free lipsticks that are on the market.

  Give Your Anti-Wrinkle Cream an Exam

  Some pregnant women reach for wrinkle cream almost as much as they reach for stretch-mark lotion. But before massaging it into your laugh lines, consider the ingredients. Many wrinkle creams contain retinol, which has been linked to birth defects.

  “There haven’t been any conclusive studies, but the consensus is that retinol may be related to miscarriage or impaired growth,” Salasche says.

  “If a woman wants to use an anti-wrinkle cream during pregnancy, she should bring that product to her doctor so he or she can review the contents,” Healy says.

  Ban Botox Cosmetic Until Your Baby Arrives

  Botox Cosmetic injections help smooth furrowed brows. But experts recommend skipping these treatments during pregnancy. “There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of Botox Cosmetic in pregnant women. So administration of Botox Cosmetic is not recommended during pregnancy,” says Kellie Reagan, a spokeswoman for Allergan, the drug company that makes Botox Cosmetic.

http://waywardbabydoc.blogspot.com/

Here’s the video link if anyone would like to check it out…It’s a beautiful place

The picture above is of two midwifes that have been practicing since their 30′s and are now in their 70′s. Reminds me of myself and Dr.Haddox. I’m the smiling one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRuyMaE3XTc

http://waywardbabydoc.blogspot.com/

VOG would like to wish everyone a peaceful and happy end to 2012, and many good things to come in 2013…here’s a silly video we put together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpTildfNh-Y

Another mission success thanks to a hard working team of individuals. We were short-staffed, hours were long, and yet once again we pulled it off.

I made a small album for those who are interested in taking a peek. If you  have seen these before, you will notice familiar faces. I have stayed with the same family since 2001; and it’s so neat to see the kids grow up. The oldest is now a dentist like his dad, and a dad himself!! Oh and the other two kids..one in dental school and one in high school planning to become, yep you guessed it…a dentist!

Our hospital staff are like family as well. After so many years we have forged strong relationships as colleagues and as friends. Looking at 2001 pictures, we’re all older and greyed, or should I say elegant and distinguished!

Hope you enjoy the pictures

Happy Holidays, Dr.T

P.S. I suggest you look at pics individually as opposed to a slide show, so you can see the captions

http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=5847309017/a=1784898_1784898/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

http://www.jibjab.com/view/yii8hYv4SnqqHTgTu61XIA?utm_campaign=URL+Copy&utm_medium=Share&utm_source=JibJab&cmpid=jj_url

On Oct. 24th at 6pm Dr. Desai will be speaking about hysterectomy. This should be a very interesting lecture. Refreshments will be served and as always THERE WILL BE A RAFFLE!!!

Call 386-231-2229 to RSVP

Vote for the Cutest Babies starting at noon today Oct 1st.

http://www.floridahospitalcutiecalendar.com/

All parents think their kids are cute, but do YOU have the cutest baby in Volusia or Flagler counties? Bring your child, newborn to age two, to be photographed at the BirthCare Center’s 4th Annual Cutie Calendar Contest. The top 12 contestants with the highest number of votes determined through an online vote open to the community, will be featured in the BirthCare Center’s 2013 Cutie Calendar.

Join us on Sunday, September 23 from 1 to 4 pm in the Medical Office Building of Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, located at 305 Memorial Medical Parkway, Daytona Beach. In order to participate, you must schedule an appointment time slot to have your child’s photo taken by calling 386-231-BABY (2229).

For a complete list of contest rules and event details, as well as answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Cutie Calendar , check out the website:

http://www.floridahospitalcutiecalendar.com/