Can I bleach my face and body during pregnancy? (Query)

Dr Rahul Manchanda answers whether bleaching during pregnancy is a good idea.

Written By: Bhakti Paun Sharma | Updated : March 8, 2016 5:28 PM IST

I am five months pregnant. Can I bleach my face and body? Will it harm my baby in any way?

It is safe to bleach your face, hands, legs, underarms and back during pregnancy. However, bleaching the stomach area is not recommended, says Dr Rahul Manchanda, Consultant & Head Gynaecologist and Endoscopic Surgeon, PSRI Hospital. Topical application of bleach inhibits the chances of it penetrating in the blood stream and reduces the risk of birth defects. Hydrogen peroxide present in the bleach is broken down easily and is not absorbed quickly by the body. You can, however, choose bleach with natural ingredients, like turmeric, to prevent queasiness or nausea from the smell of the activator. Here are some home remedies for skincare during pregnancy.

Few things to consider before and while bleaching your body

Also Read

The skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy. So a patch test on a small area before you bleach your face or body to check for irritation or allergy is recommended.
Take a shower or rinse your body with cold water. This will help shrink the pores and minimise the risk of bleach seeping deep in the skin.
Sit in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes and the strong smell of the bleach.
Do not keep the bleach on your skin for a very long time.

You must also avoid bleaching your skin too often during pregnancy. Using bleach once a month is not harmful. You can also try these natural ways to bleach. You may also like to find answers to some other pregnancy queries: Is it okay to wear jewellery during pregnancy? Is it okay to use perfumes and deodorants during pregnancy? Is it safe to get pedicures during pregnancy? Is it okay to wear contact lenses during labour? When should I get my eyes checked after delivery? Can a pregnant woman consume fruit salts? Images Source: Shutterstock

For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. For pregnancy related queries, visit our forum.