• Use gloves so that your skin absorbs less dye.
• Be sure the room is well-ventilated so you don't breathe in chemicals for too long.
• Don't leave dye on longer than the instructions recommend.

If you're still concerned, consider highlights. Because dye from highlights doesn't usually touch your scalp, your skin can't absorb it. Dye can't be absorbed through hair alone. You can also try vegetable dyes or henna.

For more information on hair treatments and pregnancy, read Hair Treatments and Pregnancy from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).

Depilatories/hair remover

Tanning beds

Most experts discourage tanning whether you're pregnant or not. When your skin tans, it's trying to protect itself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These UV rays are hard on your skin because they:

• Increase the risk of skin cancer
• Give you a bad burn if you're exposed to them for too long
• Increase signs of aging

UV rays are bad for everyone, but sunbathing is especially bad if you're pregnant. Your skin is probably more sensitive to sunlight than it was before, so you may burn easily. Sitting under the hot sun (or in a tanning bed) for a long time may make you overheated or lose body fluids (dehydrated). Both of these are bad for your growing baby. Also, UV rays may break down folic acid, an important vitamin that helps your baby's brain and spinal cord develop.

The best way to tan during pregnancy is to use sunless tanning lotion or spray. If you do sit in the sun, wear sunscreen and drink lots of water to stay cool and hydrated.

Bikini wax

A bikini wax is safe, but it might hurt even more than usual. For some women, hair growth increases during pregnancy. Many women also have more sensitive skin while pregnant. That can be a painful combination along the bikini line. Test the wax on a small area of skin first to make sure it isn't too painful.

In the last months of pregnancy, doing a bikini wax at home may become difficult. Those areas may be hard to see, let alone reach. If you really want a bikini wax at this point, you may want to visit the salon.

Manicures and pedicures

Manicures and pedicures are great ways to relax. But they may not be the best choice for pampering yourself while pregnant. Your nails may change a lot during your pregnancy:

• They may grow faster.
• They may be thicker and stronger.
• They may split and break more easily.

If your nails split a lot, keep them neatly trimmed. Avoid nail polish and nail polish remover. Your skin can absorb the strong chemicals in these products and you can breathe them in. If the smell of polish and remover is strong in your salon or spa, it's probably best not to spend too much time there while you're pregnant.

Massages

Pregnancy massage, or prenatal massage, is usually considered safe. Talk with your health care provider first. Be sure your massage therapist is up-to-date on your pregnancy and any special circumstances.

Pregnancy massage is a technique created specially for pregnant women to deal with the side effects of pregnancy. Many pregnant women find massage comforting because it may:

• Reduce physical and emotional stress
• Ease back pain
• Reduce swelling
• Relieve headaches and muscle aches

The massage may last as long as an hour. It should not be so intense that you feel pain. Some massage therapists tell pregnant women to lie on their sides. Others offer special pillows so women can lie on their stomachs. If you are sensitive to odors, you may want to ask for unscented lotions and oils. Many massage parlors offer couples massage, so your partner can learn some ways to help out between sessions.

Before having a massage, talk to your health care provider if you have:

• High blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Morning sickness
• Fever
• Diabetes
• Heavy discharge  

Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms

High temperatures are dangerous for your growing baby. A warm bath is a great way to relax during pregnancy, but don't let yourself get overheated.

Your body temperature should never be higher than 102.2° F (39° C) for more than 10 minutes. Very hot baths, hot tubs and saunas probably will be at least this hot, if not several degrees hotter.

Check the water temperature with a thermometer before getting in. Pay attention to the warning signs of overheating:

• Feeling too hot, dizzy, faint or clammy
• Having chills, extreme thirst, dry mouth or nausea

If you do feel warning signs of overheating, leave the tub or sauna, and call your health care provider right away.

If you used a steam room, hot tub or sauna before you knew you were pregnant, but didn't feel any warning signs of overheating, the risk to your baby is probably low. Most women begin to feel too hot and get out before their temperature reaches dangerous levels.

If a pregnant woman's body temperature is too high, the baby may have a birth defect. Also high body temperature can cause the pregnant woman's blood pressure to fall. As a result, the fetus may receive less oxygen and nutrition.

For more information on treatments that can raise body temperature during pregnancy, read Hyperthermia and Pregnancy from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.

Spa treatments—hot wax, wraps, mud baths, facials, etc.

A day at the spa may help you deal with some of the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy. Some treatments are safe. Some may be more painful than usual. Some are a bad idea while you're pregnant. For example, any spa treatment that raises your body temperature is dangerous during pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider and the spa before making an appointment.

Hair Removal
This includes getting your eyebrows done or your bikini line waxed. These treatments are usually safe during pregnancy.

Remember that your skin may be more sensitive now than before you were pregnant. Hair removal may be more painful than before.

Avoid bleaches and depilatories (hair removal creams) while you're pregnant, because your skin absorbs these products.

Facials, Aloe or Milk Wraps, etc.
Common skin changes during pregnancy include acne, itchiness, rashes and stretch marks. Spa treatments can help, but be careful. During pregnancy, your skin changes a lot. It may be more sensitive to treatments than before. Before you cover your whole body with a product, test it on a small area of skin to be sure it isn't irritating

Body Treatments That Use Heat
Examples are mud baths, hot wax and seaweed wraps. The heat used in these treatments can raise your body temperature. This can be dangerous for you and your baby. It's best to avoid these treatments while you're pregnant.