Syphilis develops in three stages. The first state, primary syphilis, is characterized by an open sore called a chancre, which usually appears on the genitals, either internally or externally. If untreated, the disease can progress to secondary syphilis and tertiary syphilis. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, a rash, hair loss and swollen glands. In its final stage, syphilis can cause dementia, blindness and damage to the nervous system.

How Would I Catch Syphilis?

The bacterium that causes syphilis can be acquired through sexual intercourse (the most common method), kissing, passage from mother to fetus through the placenta, blood transfusion or accidental contact with an infected lesion. (Your Total Health)

Syphilis During Pregnancy

Syphilis is extremely dangerous for a fetus, who can contract the disease through the placenta that nourishes it. It can cause miscarriage and result in a stillborn birth. It can be also transmitted to your baby through vaginal birth and possibly through a cesarean section.  Congenital syphilis can have some very severe symptoms, although they may not appear right away.

False Positive Lab Tests

If you do test positive for syphilis, don’t panic! NO TEST IS 100 PERCENT ACCURATE. According to Lab Tests Online, screening tests for syphilis are not highly specific, and a false positive result is quite common. The VDRL has a high sensitivity but low specificity, and is used as a screening test. Today, treponemal FTA-ABS or MHA-TP tests,with high specificity and sensitivity, are used to confirm the results.

How is Syphilis Treated?

Syphilis is treated with penicillin (PenVK), which is considered safe in pregnancy. t is not common for a fetus to be infected before the fourth month, so testing and treatment should be done as soon as possible. If you have a history of penicillin allergy, you should undergo skin testing. If skin tests are positive, you will be ” desensitized” and then treated with penicillin.

A baby that is born with syphilis will also be given penicillin injections to fight the bacteria.

If your tests keep coming up positive, even without any physical signs of syphilis, your doctor may recommend treating you with penicillin, just to be on the safe side.

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For example, he said, someone might think it’s best if the pregnant woman is not included in late night deadlines, social events involving “knocking back martinis” with the team, or long-term projects that may coincide with her due date.  A pregnant woman might also be excluded from e-mail lists, meetings or business trips. 

Eden B. King, an assistant professor of psychology at George Mason University, explains:  “They are seen as already being out of the game,” she said. “Some women report experiencing a form of benevolent sexism, where they are treated like a child who needs to be protected or people pat their stomach.”

So what can you do to get fair treatment?  Speak up, says Tuckner; according to federal and state laws, pregnant women are protected from being treated differently from others.  It’s advisable to put any formal complaint in writing, but keep it civilized and add a touch of humor if appropriate. An informal email is better than an angry letter, which may turn people against you (and elicit a couple snide comments about raging hormones).

But there is a benefit to being pregnant and returning after work as a new parent, says Jamie Ladge, an assistant professor at the Northeastern University College of Business Administration who has conducted studies on pregnancy in the workplace.  Becoming a mother (especially a first-timer) helps you connect to people at varying levels within the company who are also parents. “You make friends with more senior people, clients and those in other departments, easing into a conversation without making it all business,” she said. “Now you have this common ground and that can have very positive ramifications for your career.”

When should I tell people I’m pregnant?

Most women like to wait until they’re past the 12-week mark.  Most women are not showing until about that time, anyway. But if you are experiencing morning sickness, fatigue, or other pregnancy symptoms, you might want to explain to co-workers what is going on. Disclosing your pregnancy early also allows more time to communicate about it with colleagues, says Ms. King.

Keep a barf bag handy

Well, maybe not an actual barf bag. But if you experience nausea and vomiting, you should prepare a bag of emergency supplies, including things like ginger snaps, dry cereal, crackers, hard lemon candies and mouthwash, “and an extra blouse, in case it gets stained or sweaty.”

If you find that you need to use the bathroom frequently, try to combine trips to the bathroom with other places you need to visit, like the mailroom. When in meetings, sit near the door so you can make a quick escape if necessary.

When dealing with fatigue, inquire about having more flexible hours, so that you can come in later or work part-time at home. Some women try to plan time off at the eighth or ninth week, which is when symptoms tend to peak.

Staying part of the team during maternity leave

Make sure your boss and coworkers know how important your career is, that you plan on coming back, and that you are committed to the organization. You can show this even during maternity leave by calling in to see how projects are progressing and stopping by with the baby for a visit, said Jamie Ladge.

Read the entire article here: Expecting a Baby, but Not the Stereotypes

Here are the most common types of ultrasounds for pregnancy:

Standard Ultrasound

A standard ultrasound is the most common type performed during pregnancy. The technician holds a wand shaped transducer and rubs it over the stomach to produce two-dimensional pictures of the baby. If the doctor has any reason to suspect problems with the fetus, he may ask the technician to perform an advanced ultrasound. In an advanced ultrasound, the doctor points out areas of concern and the technician pays particular attention to those area.

Transvaginal Scan

In the case of a high risk pregnancy or if the mother is experiencing health issues, the obstetrician may want to perform an ultrasound earlier than a standard ultrasound. In these cases, a transvaginal ultrasound is used. The technician inserts the transducer into the vagina to perform the scan. Once the pregnancy reaches ten weeks, the obstetrician will typically choose a standard ultrasound.

Fetal Echocardiography

This ultrasound assesses potential problems with the development and anatomy of the baby’s heart and diagnoses any suspected heart defects. The obstetrician may recommend a fetal echocardiograph if he sees something suspicious on the standard ultrasound. He may also recommend a fetal echocardiograph if the patient or her partner has a history of cardiac abnormalities or the doctor notices irregularity in the fetal heartbeat. The technician can perform fetal echocardiographs either vaginally or through the abdomen.

3-D Ultrasound

A 3-D ultrasound uses computer software along with a specially designed transducer to generate a more complete picture of the baby. The transducer takes images in a series of slices which, when transmitted to the computer, form a three dimensional picture.

Dynamic 3-D Ultrasound

Often called a 4-D ultrasound, this ultrasound uses specially designed transducers to give a more realistic view of the baby. Parents enjoy seeing the dynamic 3-D ultrasounds because they can see their baby in action. The doctor and parents can watch the baby move in the uterus. While 3-D and dynamic 3-D ultrasounds are fun for the parent, they offer no diagnostic advantage over standard ultrasounds.

Info from LiveStrong

Image from UNC Healthcare

1. Extreme Fatigue

Every pregnant woman feels more tired than usual. But twin moms reported extreem fatigue, often taking 3-hour naps during the day, falling asleep on the job or before dinner!

2. A big fat positive on the pregnancy test

Most of  Raising-Twins.com’s twin moms took a home pregnancy test and were answered with a big fat positive almost immediately. While normally there tends to be a very faint line for positive, especially in early pregnancy, when you are pregnant with twins, the hormone hCG  (human chorionic gonadtropin) is at higher levels and is therefore picked up faster by the test.

3. That twin belly grows fast!

Many women who start showing early on in pregnancy wonder if they are carrying twins. Sometimes they are, as the extra blood volume and extra water weight can result in faster-growing bellies.

4. Severe Morning Sickness

Many twin moms have reported the first trimester resulted in morning sickness. Even moms who have been pregnant without morning sickness before, reported having morning sickness for the first time ever. If you are finding your sense of smell is heightened, you have an overabundance of saliva, or things turn your stomach that you once enjoyed, you can atribute it to hormones once again. For almost all women, morning sickness passes around12-14 weeks.

5. Early Fetal Movement

Those little flutters and kicks can happen earlier with twins, especially if you have been pregnant before and know how to differentiate the little bubbles sensations from normal bodily functions. Most women pregnant with twins report feeling fetal movement earlier than usual – around the 16-18 week mark. However, there are cases though where they feel less fetal movement due to the position of the babies. If their little hands and feet are pointing inward, you are less likely to feel their movements. You may also only feel one baby on a regular basis.

6. Mother’s Intuition

Many, many moms swear they just ‘knew’. They either dreamed it, felt they were seeing signs, or just felt somehow different. While this is obviously not scientific in any way, there is something to be said for a mother’s intuition!

7. Seeing is Believing – Ultrasound Pictures

A trained technician or obstetrician can do an ultrasound or sonogram to show you on the monitor the two fetuses and and two heartbeats. Modern technology allows for quick diagnoses of twins, as well as viability and whether there are one or two sacs.

If you are looking for confirmation of your suspicions, your health care provider is the person to see. Having a twin pregnancy is an incredible journey that requires preparations – mentally, physically, financially and emotionally. But hopefully your twins will also bring you double the joy and double the fun!

For more information on twins, from pregnancy, birth, and throughout childhood, visit Raising-Twins.com.

Feature image from Science Daily

If you were taking prescription medications before you became pregnant, you should talk to your health care provider about continuing these medications. Your health care provider will weigh the benefit to you and the risk to your baby when making his or her recommendation about a particular medication. With some medications, the risk of not taking them may be more serious than the potential risk associated with taking them.

Of course, if you are prescribed any new medication, you need to make sure your doctor knows you are pregnant. Be sure the medication is safe before taking it.

It’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins, now available without a prescription, during pregnancy. Ask your doctor about the safety of taking other vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements during pregnancy. Many herbal preparations and supplements have not been proven to be safe during pregnancy. It’s also best  not take any over-the-counter medication unless it is necessary.

The following medications and home remedies have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when taken according to the package directions. If you have questions about a medications not listed here, please contact your health care provider. This chart is copied from WebMD.

Safe Alternative Pregnancy Medicine Therapies

Just because something is labeled “natural” does not mean it’s safe for pregnancy (or even for non-pregnant people). Here, WebMD lists some alternative therapies that are safe for pregnant women to take:

• Nausea in early pregnancy: acupuncture, acupressure, ginger root (250 mg capsules 4 times a day), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 25 mg two or three times a day) work well.
• Backache: chiropractic manipulation holds the best track record.
• Turning a breech baby: exercise, hypnosis, and traditional Chinese treatment (burning incense-like substance on the fifth toe) have proven beneficial.
• Pain relief in labor: epidurals are most effective, but injections of sterile water near a woman’s tailbone works surprisingly well, as do immersion in a warm bath, and a high tech nerve stimulator called TENS. Relaxation techniques, patterned breathing, emotional support, and self-hypnosis are already widely used alternative therapies in labor.

Alternative Pregnancy Medicine Therapies to Avoid

The following substances have the potential to harm a developing baby when used in a concentrated formulation (not as a spice in cooking). Some are thought to cause birth defects or encourage early labor.

• Avoid these oral supplements: Arbor vitae, Beth root, Black cohosh, Blue cohosh, Cascara, Chaste tree berry, Chinese angelica (Dong Quai), Cinchona, Cotton root bark, Feverfew, Ginseng, Golden seal, Juniper, Kava kava, Licorice, Meadow saffron, Pennyroyal, Poke root, Rue, Sage, St. John’s wort, Senna, Tansy, White peony, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yellow dock, vitamin A (large doses can cause birth defects).
• Avoid these aromatherapy essential oils: calamus, mugwort, pennyroyal, sage, wintergreen, basil, hyssop, myrrh, marjoram, and thyme.

Note: You need to continue being cautions about medication and alternative therapies if you are breastfeeding, as well.

For more information on pregnancy and drug safety, visit WebMD.

feature image from FDA

The good news is that you’ll probably start feeling like your old self during the second trimester. Unfortunately, you’ll probably start loosing steam again at around seven months. As you enter the thrid trimester, you’ll be carrying more weight and may be having trouble sleeping well for a variety of reasons… in addition to frequent urination there’s backache, heartburn, leg cramps, the baby kicking just as you’re drifting off to sleep!

This is all normal, but if you feel like there might be something wrong, see your doctor about ruling out any underlying causes, such as anemia or depression. If you’re having problems with depression or anxiety, your caregiver can help you find a mental health professional.

Here are some coping tips from baby center.com:

Heed your body’s signals. Start by going to bed earlier than usual, and try to take a nap during the day. Even a 15-minute catnap can make a difference, so if you work in an office and you’re lucky enough to have a door, shut it, put your head down on your desk, and rest. Or get creative: Look for an empty lounge or conference room or lie down in the back seat of your car.

Try to adjust your schedule. Cut out unnecessary social commitments and let the housework slide. If you work outside the home, see if you can cut back on your hours or arrange to take work home over the weekend so you can cut out early once in a while. Take an occasional vacation day in the middle of the week (or a sick day if you’re not feeling well). If you’re a stay-at-home mom, give yourself a break now and then and leave your children with someone else so you can catch up on your sleep.

Make sure you’re eating right. You need about 300 extra calories every day, but watch where these calories are coming from! A healthy diet made up of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, skim milk, and lean meats can be energizing. Junk food, by contrast, actually saps you of vim and vigor. Snack on healthy foods like fruit and yogurt. Cut back on caffeine and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water so you stay hydrated.

Get some moderate exercise every day. You may feel like you barely have the energy to make it through the day, let alone exercise. But moderate activity, such as a short walk, can actually make you feel better. Take frequent breaks throughout your day to stretch and breathe deeply.

Hang in there. If first-trimester fatigue is getting you down, take heart that soon enough you’ll be in your second trimester and raring to go again. You may even be up to taking in the late show or going on a weekend getaway. If you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy, you’ll be a new mom before you know it, looking back on this period of relatively undisturbed nights with bleary-eyed nostalgia. So consider stocking up on your zzz’s while you can.

* I LOVE THIS (found it here): *

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it is wise to be informed about miscarriage in the unfortunate event that you find yourself or someone you know faced with one.  There are different types of miscarriage, different treatments for each, and different statistics for what your chances are of having one. The following overview of miscarriage is provided so that you might not feel so confused or alone if you face a possible miscarriage situation. As with all pregnancy complications, the best person to ask questions of is your health care provider.
1. How do I know if I’m having a miscarriage?
Symptoms of miscarriage vary. For some women, the first warning sign of miscarriage is a feeling that they aren’t pregnant anymore, or sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms.  If anything out of the ordinary happens, you should contact your care provider immediately.  A woman who is miscarrying may experience any of the following:

• Minimal to severe cramping
• Bleeding, ranging from light to heavy.
• Signs of blood loss, such as weakness, dizziness or light-headedness
• Mild to severe back pain
• Intense abdominal pain or cramping, sometimes described as similar to labor.
• Any discharge with an odor or clot-like material passing from the vagina
• Fever
• Weight loss

2. How is a miscarriage treated?
During or after a miscarriage, the main goal is to prevent hemorrhaging and infection. The earlier you are in the pregnancy, the more likely that your body will expel all the fetal tissue by itself and will not require further medical procedures. If the body does not expel all the tissue, the most common procedure performed to stop bleeding and prevent infection is a dilation and curettage, known as a D&C. Drugs may be prescribed to help control bleeding after the D&C is performed. Bleeding should be monitored closely once you are at home; if you notice an increase in bleeding or the onset of chills or fever, it is best to call your physician immediately.

3. Why did this happen to me?
It is normal to wonder why or even feel responsible, despite the fact that very few miscarriages are actually caused by anything in your control. Here are some of the most common causes:

Genetic: About half of all early miscarriages occur because of random chromosomal abnormalities or maternal genetic blood factors.  Unfortunately, such factors may not be looked for until a woman has experienced two or more losses. In such cases, it is best to seek out the services of a genetic counselor through the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Anatomical: A defect in the connective tissue of the cervix or an abnormality in the shape or capacity of the uterus may be responsible. Scar tissue may impede implantation or development, and larger myomas (fibroids) may cause improper implantation or may draw blood flow away from the developing embryo.

Hormonal: Women with hormonal abnormalities may experience infertility, and when they do conceive they are more likely to miscarry. A short post-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle may lead to repeated miscarriages. The incidence of miscarriage also increases with age, from 15 percent at ages under than 25 years to 35 percent after age 38.

Immunological: Some infections or a specific immunity factor, such as “anticardiolipin antibodies” or antiphospholipid syndrome, may cause miscarriage. A medical professional would perform blood studies to rule out such causes.

Male factors: There are increased numbers of early pregnancy losses that seem to be associated with low sperm counts or with a high ratio of abnormal sperm.

Environmental: Research on environmental causes of early pregnancy loss are still ongoing. To create a healthy womb environment, women should eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking, drug use, excessive caffeine and exposure to radiation or toxic substances.  But even women who have used drugs or smoke or eat junk food can maintain a healthy pregnancy. The vast majority of miscarriages have nothing to do with the activities of the mother. Nevertheless, in the search for answers we often look to ourselves first.

4. How long will it take to miscarry?
Generally a woman will experience bleeding, which progresses from light to heavy, as well as cramping. The process may take one day or may last several days. If you think you’re having a miscarriage, contact your midwife or doctor. You’ll have a physical exam, and perhaps an ultrasound. If the miscarriage is complete and the uterus is clear, then usually no further treatment is required.

5. How long will the bleeding last?
If the miscarriage is complete, bleeding should last about a week, two at the most, with some minor cramping for a few days after the loss. The bleeding should never be heavier than the heaviest day of a period. If blood loss exceeds a pad or tampon an hour, or if bleeding lasts longer than two weeks, notify your care provider. It is possible to miscarry without much, if any, bleeding, as the embryo can be reabsorbed.

6. When will my period return?
Following an uncomplicated miscarriage, most women who had regular cycles will have a period within four to six weeks following the completion of the miscarriage.  If you had a spontaneous miscarriage without any prolonged bleeding, it is a safe bet that you would ovulate within two to four weeks after the miscarriage.

7. How long will it take me to recover?
Emotional recovery from a pregnancy loss may take many months. It is not unusual for a woman to recall the pain of a miscarriage her whole life. Physical recovery can depend on the length of the pregnancy, whether or not complications have occurred and whether there is any remaining tissue. In an uncomplicated miscarriage, physical recovery may take only one to two weeks.

8. When can we start trying again?

How long you decide to wait is a personal decision, made after discussing your situation with your care provider and your partner. It is important to take time to heal emotionally as well as physically after a miscarriage. Emotions– such as stress and anxiety– may affect hormonal balance, and waiting until you have recovered may also help you approach your next pregnancy with less apprehension.

Many healthcare providers encourage woman to wait at least a few months to strengthen the chance of a healthy pregnancy.  It takes time for the uterus to recover and for the endometrial lining to become strong and healthy again.  If a woman’s body isn’t ready to support a pregnancy by the time that she conceives again, she faces an increased risk of experiencing a repeat miscarriage.

Medically, it is safe to conceive after two or three normal menstrual periods if tests or treatments for the cause of the miscarriage are not being done. Some couples wait six months to a year before attempting another pregnancy in order to come to terms with their loss, whereas others feel there is no compelling reason to wait so long.
9. How can I support my partner?
Supporting your partner while you yourself may be grieving the loss of a son or daughter of your dreams can be very difficult. You need emotional support as well. Try to talk to your partner about the loss. While it will bring up fresh memories, it is best to communicate openly about your wide range of feelings.

Many parents want to find a way to help hold on to the memory of the baby they lost. You may want to gather together mementos, such as an ultrasound picture of your baby, your baby’s footprints or other items that help you feel close to your baby as you move through the grieving process.
Learn more from the March of Dimes.

10. How will a miscarriage affect my next pregnancy?

Your next pregnancy might not be as joyful as you would like because you’ve learned that life doesn’t always go according to your plans. You can’t say it’s your first pregnancy, but you also cannot say that you are a parent. The following are recommendations to make this time a little easier.

Prepare your body as much as possible for your next pregnancy:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy
• Manage stress
• Keep weight within healthy limits
• Take folic acid daily
• Do not smoke

When you become pregnant again:

• Ask that your pregnancy be monitored carefully.
• You may want to avoid early preparation for the baby’s arrival. Some couples request that baby showers be held after the arrival of the baby.
• Sometimes people who are close to you are also emotionally invested in your pregnancy, and they will make suggestions about what you should do.  The easiest way to handle their suggestions is to listen, and then do whatever you, your partner, and medical team feel is best.
• Your birth experience might be bittersweet because memories of your loss may resurface. You will probably need to do some grieving in addition to celebrating your new baby.
• Your parenting may be influenced by your past loss, so moments of panic might occur, especially when the new baby is ill, or too quiet.
• You may feel the need to protect yourself from more sorrow, so you might be cautious bonding with your new baby until you’re certain he or she is safe and healthy.
• If you feel you are struggling, speak to your healthcare provider about possible support groups or counselors who could help you through this difficult time.

For more information:

American Pregnancy Association

iVillage: Answers to your 10 Most-Asked Questions

www.nationalshareoffice.com
www.mend.org
www.aplacetoremember.com

I don’t know if it was spit-up all over his PJ’s or just a random middle-of-the night brainstorm, but Mike Barcly had an inspiration. He put his idea into action and designed a plush, absorbent burp cloth that is all natural, soft, ergonomic, and most importantly, has enough traction to stay on your shoulder!

“Made in the USA from 45% organic cotton and 55% sustainable hemp, our burp cloths are prewashed in organic soap and emulate the soft, plush absorbency of cloth diapers. Because the stay-put shape and plush fabrics (two layers of fleece for absorbency and a third layer of corduroy for stay-put traction) keep you and your clothing clean. Simply throw it over your shoulder and you’ll be ready for anything!”

Mom’s and dad’s love them (no more ruined shirts and last-minute changes!) and it also converts to a baby bib! Visit Burp Armor for more info!

The Times study concluded that morning sickness is not an indication of an unhealthy pregnancy, and the WebMD study concluded that the absence of morning sickness is no cause for alarm, either. The nausea experienced by upwards of 85 percent of pregnant women is not a symptom of any irregularity, and those who don’t experience it don’t show any increased incidence of abnormalities, either.

New remedies aimed at relieving morning sickness completely.

Morning sickness affects 70-85% of women, and in severe cases can lead to hospitalization. That’s why it’s best to control morning sickness from the start. Unfortunately, many women think their options are limited to the crackers and ginger ale routine… or prescription drugs. But now, there may be an effective, natural alternative to treat their morning sickness.

It’s called “Morning Sickness Magic,” and it’s developed by Roshan Kaderali, RN, in cooperation with an FDA compliant laboratory. Kaderali has practiced as an obstetrical nurse, midwife, childbirth educator and a doula, and has worked in the medical field more than 40 years. She’s also the founder and CEO of MOM Enterprises and creator of Baby’s Bliss and Mommy’s Bliss (www.mommysbliss.com)a line of all-natural products created exclusively for babies and expectant mothers. Kaderali’s international upbringing and education led her to discover natural remedies that are proven staples in households around the world.

“The issues expectant moms face are universal,” says Kaderali. “They all want to do what’s best for their babies. With morning sickness, many women think they have to just tough it out because they don’t want to take a prescription drug. But toughing it out isn’t good for mom or baby either. Women who are pregnant need folic acid and other essential nutrients. If they’re throwing up or not eating because of morning sickness, that impacts everyone’s health. ”

From her decades of experience working with pregnant women, Kaderali already knew of various natural remedies that would tame the symptoms of morning sickness. But she couldn’t find them in a combined, easy-to-take formulation.

“Vitamin B6 and ginger have both been recommended individually for morning sickness,” says Kaderali. “But they actually work much better together. That’s because ginger, when taken by itself, can take the edge off of nausea in a short period of time, but it’s not long-lasting. On the other hand, B6 levels must be built up and sustained in the bloodstream to be effective.”

Up until recently, obstetricians have had limited for treating morning sickness. That’s why the natural formulation in “Morning Sickness Magic” has been such a hit among expectant moms and their doctors, according to Emax Health.

It’s the first formula to combine B6, ginger, and other anti-nausea ingredients. Becuase it is safe for mothers and their unborn babies, obstetricians across the country are recommending it and distributing it to their patients. “It’s actually been the best selling morning sickness formula in the U.S. for the past 5 years,” says Kaderali. “We’ve received tons of emails from expectant mothers who are so relieved that their morning sickness has disappeared or reduced so that they can function in their daily lives.”

It sounds too good to be true! Have you or anyone you know tried “Morning Sickness Magic”? Did it help you?

Preparing to welcome that little bundle of joy? Shop PRETTY BABY GIFTS for baby keepsakes, adorable baby shower favors,  gifts for new parents, and delightful baby albums and frames!

Doug MacIntosh, colorist at Minardi Salon in New York City, suggests that once you’ve decided to continue coloring your hair throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, you have an in-depth consultation with a colorist about what the best option is for you.

Before you color, heed these tips from Parents.com:

1. Wait out the first trimester. Most doctors and colorists recommend not doing chemical processes during the first three months of pregnancy for both safety reasons and your potential sensitivity to the chemical fumes. Also, hair may change during pregnancy. Some women get more gray hair, others find that their hair texture changes. After the first trimester you’ll have a better idea what you’re dealing with.

2. Avoid processes that involve scalp contact. All the experts agree that any color process should avoid touching the skin and scalp to prevent absorption of chemicals into the bloodstream. This means no single-process color, which is harsher and comes into contact with hair roots.

3. Try temporary color. Here’s the ultimate no-commitment option — a hair mascara wand or a hair pencil. The results only last until your next shampoo, and they’re nontoxic.

4. Opt for highlights. This process involves painting sections of the hair with permanent color (which contains peroxide and ammonia) but not allowing the solution to touch the scalp or skin.

5. Don’t be duped by vegetable dye. There’s no such thing as vegetable dye that’s safe against the scalp during pregnancy.

6. Pare down your hair color expectations. Coming into the salon every four weeks for root touch-ups or a single process just isn’t realistic. Talk with your stylist about taking your hair maintenance down a notch.

More maternity hair care tips for easy, pretty styling, from Parents.com:

Hair can be time-consuming and sometimes an unnecessary source of anxiety. During pregnancy, you may be looking for a low-maintenance style that looks good and is easy to take care of, without chemicals, of course. Get some advice from the pros at Bumble and Bumble in New York City on the best cuts and styles for expectant and new moms.

Don’t go drastic. You may be tempted to exercise control over some part of your life by going for a totally new look. Bumble and Bumble stylist Nikki An notes that many pregnant women come in thinking that cutting of their hair will give them new, more manageable look. But An recommends that they keep their locks longer, softer, and never make a drastic change — as they’ll most likely regret it later. Shorter hair doesn’t always mean that it will be easy or less time-consuming to style. It’s a good idea to stay within a range of length and shape that you’re already comfortable with.

Consider your new face shape. Many women find that their faces get fuller during pregnancy and should consider that when getting a new cut. Nikki explains, “Wearing hair straight, at shoulder length or a little longer, can help create the illusion of a slender face.” Stylist Barry suggests avoiding blunt bangs and lots of layers, which only accentuate a heavier face.

Conquering curls. If your hair isn’t naturally straight and you have the time and energy for heat styling, go for it. Prep damp hair by combing through a dollop of straightening balm. Then blow dry with a round, natural-bristle brush, being careful to point the nozzle down the hair shaft, to ensure a smooth finish. If you prefer to keep your curls intact, just run a light-hold gel through towel-dried hair to keep frizzies in check.

Go low-maintenance. Once you’ve given birth you probably won’t have much free time, let alone 15 minutes to wash your hair and primp. This is reason enough to get a cut that you don’t have to style every day. Few women have the time to come in for regular cuts while toting a baby, so stylist Shirley Ching recommends longer styles which can be pulled back in a chic ponytail. This is especially true when your baby is grabbing anything she can get her hands on. Slick hair back into a low ponytail with a leather cord or ribbon wrapped around the elastic for an updated look.

Other timesaving tips:

*Sprinkle a dry shampoo or hair powder on roots in between washings.

*Look for two-in-one styling aids.

*Skip the blow dryer.

*Braid wet hair before you go to bed. Take it out in the morning and you’ll have sexy waves.

*Get some pretty barrettes or ponytail holders for a quick French twist or ponytail.

The ponytail featured is from Hairstyles 53. Check out Hairstyles 53 for more hot hairsyles.