Are perfumes safe while pregnant? Here’s what you need to know

Being pregnant is one of the most special times in a woman’s life, but it does come with certain restrictions you need to follow to best protect the health of you and your child. One of the most commonly used beauty products is perfume. Millions of women all around the world spritz a little scent before they head out for their day, however – is this safe for you and your baby or should you be more careful? Let’s take a look at some of the things you should think about whilst considering this.

How Are Your Other Symptoms?

The early stages of pregnancy are wracked with other symptoms like nausea and light-headedness. If you feel like you have been particularly affected by symptoms of morning sickness like nausea, you will undoubtedly have come up with a list of triggers that makes it all the worse.

One thing which can trigger your discomfort can be an overpowering smell. If you have a perfume which is particularly strong, you might want to consider either switching to something lighter or just wearing no perfume at all. It might be better for you in the long run than to put yourself through feeling sick just for a little added scent.

All About Phthalates

One ingredient you should be on the lookout for on your perfume boxes is types of ingredients called phthalates. These are used in perfumes to keep the scent lasting a little longer.

There has also been a little research done which suggests that these ingredients may interrupt a male foetus’s reproductive development, amongst other potential problems phthalates may cause.

However, most of these findings are not set in stone. If you are particularly worried about the effect these may have upon your baby, have a chat with your midwife or GP and they should be able to give you some more information.

Make Sure They Are Real

One of the biggest concerns about wearing perfume while pregnant is that you might not be wearing a real perfume. Fake perfumes can cause a rash and all sorts of nasty side-effects. Who knows what sort of an impact they could have upon your child?

Make sure you are using original perfumes every single time you spritz one. Only buying from licensed and certified merchants will help ensure that you are getting a legitimate bottle of perfume every single time you buy.

Don’t Risk It

One of the best ways you can protect yourself is to listen to your body. You are more intuitive that you may initially think. If you feel like you should not be wearing perfume during your pregnancy then that is what you should do.

Since there is no clear scientific basis as to whether or not perfume is harmful to your unborn child, it is truly down to you. We can most definitely say that when it comes to the decision of whether or not you should wear perfume in your pregnancy, Mum knows best.