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| I am 16 weeks pregnant. Can I dye my hair? —Anna, Brooklyn, NY | |
 To dye or not to dye—that is the question. First of all, you should definitely defer to your doctor on this one. Having said that, most docs agree that dyeing your hair is fine, just as long as it’s done after you have completed your first trimester.In our article “Pregnancy Myths Debunked,” we wrote: “Most research, although limited, does show that it is safe to color your hair while pregnant, as the chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. While some studies have shown that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm, it would take your using a massive application of hair dye—we’re talking using enough for a thousand women—to cause any harm. If you’re still concerned and would prefer to stay on the utmost safe side, wait to dye your hair until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances—hair dye or otherwise—harming the baby is much lower. If you’re coloring your hair yourself, wear gloves, leave the dye on for the minimum time, and work in a well-ventilated room. As highlighting your hair doesn’t involve the dye touching your skin and reaching your bloodstream, it poses less of a risk. Of course, semi-permanent pure vegetable dyes, such as henna, are a completely natural, safe alternative.” So, to answer your question, as long as your doctors say it’s okay, then go for it. Your baby wants its mama to look good—and you know how good you feel after you’ve had those roots touched up! For more preggo beauty no-no’s and yes-yeses, check out “Beauty Dos and Don’ts.” |
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| I am just eight weeks pregnant and already my pants are too tight—but I just can’t commit to pregnancy clothes yet. —Kelly, Brookline, MA | |
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I have two magical words for you: Bella Bands. For now, they’ll hold up your pre-preggers jeans and pants when unbuttoned (love that!), and eventually, they’ll secure your maternity ones that are a bit too loose. They’re safe, comfortable and can be worn all throughout your pregnancy and postpartum. At $26, they are the ultimate money and wardrobe saver. They’re sold everywhere, both online (check out www.unbuttonedmaternity.com) and in-store. Click here to read about the woman behind the bands, Ingrid Carney. |
| I have a 4-year-old and a baby on the way. I need some advice on how to prepare my son for his new little brother. —Laurie, Draper, UT | |
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Kudos to you for being so proactive in your parenting style. My best advice, as I have recently transitioned my daughter from an only child to a big sister, is to get your son involved as much as he can handle and as soon as he can handle it. Buy him some fun new baby books (there are tons out there) and include them in his regular nighttime reading repertoire. Talk to him about the baby, but do it in a way that empowers him to be big brother, pointing out all the cool things that big boys get to do because they’re not babies. Additionally, my pediatrician advised me to get a gift from the baby to her big sister. Gifts work well with my daughter, as I imagine they do for most children. All of the above will help him to feel included in the change versus left out, and that will help him to understand and revel in his new role in the family. We did a fantastic Q&A on the subject, thanks to our on-call child psychologist, Dr. Michael Kaplan. Click here to read “New Kid on the Block.” |
