Is it Safe to Use Perfume When Pregnant?

Something that may not occur to most pregnant women is that perfumes and other scented products may not be the most desirable thing to wear during this time. Even though something applied to the skin topically seems harmless, there are a few things to consider if you wish to use perfume when pregnant. Currently the research on this matter is somewhat inconclusive. So, is perfume harmful? Or is it something you can safely enjoy during your pregnancy?

While most research into whether it's safe to use perfume when pregnant has not found a link to most of the common worries like miscarriage and stillbirth, some recent studies have found that there may be a link between perfume use and reproductive problems in male children. It seems that perfume use between 8 and 14 weeks of pregnancy may lead to improper development of the male sex organs. Some of the potential problems include undescended testicles, risk of testicular cancer and low sperm count. It seems that some women who use perfume when pregnant risk absorbing chemicals that affect the development of testosterone in the male fetus.

So far though, the research remains largely inconclusive, partly because the most obvious results have only taken place in rodent test subjects, not human ones. Still, if you wish to err on the side of caution, it would be best to avoid wearing perfumes or scented creams of any kind.Generally though, most experts would say it is quite safe to use perfume when pregnant. Many pregnant women find however, that scents they used to enjoy now trigger nausea, light-headedness or headaches. If this is the case, it's usually best to remove all fragrance from your environment to begin with, and then gradually add one fragrance at a time, starting with the mildest. You may wish to experiment with body sprays and lotions, because they are often less intense than perfume, and tend to contain less alcohol.

If you wish to use perfume when pregnant, you might try some natural scents that are known for being pleasant and soothing. Scents like peppermint, ginger and cardamom have been known to help fight nausea, and citrus scents like lemon, neroli and mandarin seem to help soothe feelings of nausea as well as leaving a feeling of refreshment and relaxation. Other soft scents to consider are rose, chamomile and lavender. These scents make lovely massage oils as well.

While most perfumes are relatively safe, this is not always the case with essential oils. Because they are so concentrated, and are derived from plants, some can be toxic on the surface of the skin. Be sure to consult your doctor before using.So, is perfume harmful? The answer is not completely cut and dry, but it most likely is safe for pregnant women to use. If you have any doubts over whether you should use perfume when pregnant, consult your doctor. As long as you feel comfortable, you can continue to enjoy scents that will make you feel relaxed and happy.