The pregnancy and breastfeeding episode

Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss:

• The reasons women need to re-think their usual routine when pregnant • Can pregnant / breast feeding women have wrinkle relaxing injections? • Can pregnant / breast feeding women have fillers and skin boosters? • Skincare alternatives • Dissolving filler while pregnant • Can pregnant / breast feeding women have lasers / IPL / microneedling? • Using topical numbing agents like lidocaine • Can pregnant / breast feeding women have a chemical peel? • Salicylic acid while pregnant • Safe chemical acids while pregnant • Topical vitamin C • Other things to avoid while pregnant • Prescription drugs used for acne - spironolactone / Roaccutane • Parabens • Physical positioning during a facial • Melasma • Crepey tummies post pregnancy / stretch marks / pelvic floor • Diastasis Recti • Skin changes during pregnancy • Spider Nevus • Self-care after pregnancy / managing expectations

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Dr Sophie and Fiona mention a few studies – all the links are here (press ‘episode website’ for the full list):

Below is a study to reassure women who had botulinum toxin before knowing they were pregnant (but this wasn’t a placebo controlled ‘quality’ study so again, far more evidence needed – and Dr Sophie would never knowingly treat a pregnant woman – nor should anyone else). This is purely to reassure.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26635276/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A%20A%2024%2Dyear%20retrospective,rates%20in%20the%20general%20population

Various studies show that alpha hydroxy acids can be beneficial in treating hyperpigmentation, and they’re generally safe to use in pregnancy.

Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative that’s safe in pregnancy – it’s a plant-based ingredient and in one study performed just as well as retinol from an anti-aging standpoint. This is a good article that compares both ingredients: https://www.bareluxeskincare.com/blogs/elevated-simplicity/bakuchiol-vs-retinol

Chemical sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate should be avoided as these will absorb into the bloodstream and there are concerns about hormone disruption.

Look out for phthalates / formaldehyde / toluene in perfume and nail polishes. Research is being carried out to assess a possible link with birth defects.

Also look out for ammonia found in some hair dyes – several studies show this has carcinogenic properties.

Spironolactone has been liked to birth defects so should be avoided.

Research published by the University of Reading in 2012 found parabens and aluminium in women who’d had breast cancer – although no definite causal link has been identified. But some women choose to avoid them during pregnancy. Parabens are often used as preservatives in things like shampoo.

Many essential oils increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV light or have the potential to over-stimulate and encourage menstruation. The ones to avoid are basil, rosemary, juniper berry, jasmine, cypress and chamomile blue plus camphor, peppermint extract, and mint oil.

After 16 weeks, pregnant women should avoid sleeping on their back. And after 28 weeks, data tells us that back sleeping doubles the risk of stillbirth.

Research has found that pregnancy can accelerate cellular ageing. Read more here: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/having-a-baby-can-age-you

Dr. Sophie and Fiona discussed (but didn't recommend) Kim Anami, the so-called vaginal weight lifter.

Dr. Sophie recommends:

Skin Better Science Interfuse lines (contains a filler grade HA to work inside-out).

Meder Beauty Lipo-Oval products - concentrate and face masks.

The Bionic laser.

Meder Beauty facials.

HydraFacial (although Dr. Sophie may avoid using the peel component in some people).

Nailberry - nail varnishes formulated to be "12 chemical free".

Revision Skincare Body Firm cream (for stretch marks).

The Elvie for the pelvic floor.

The Emsella chair for the pelvic floor.

The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Mentioned in this episode:

This show is sponsored by Primeadine – a clean, natural, and science-backed spermidine supplement – proven to up-regulate a range of health markers. Buy now at https://oxfordhealthspan.com/ and use the discount code DRSOPHIE for 20% off.

This show is sponsored by Microbz – harnessing good bacteria directly from UK soil which means more diversity and at least 15 strains of good bacteria in every shot. Buy now at https://microbz.co.uk/ and use the discount code SOPHIE20 for 20% off.