During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes. This includes unwanted hair growth due to hormonal shifts. You might notice hair in new places or find it hard to shave with a growing belly. Therefore, it’s normal to raise the question,” Can you get laser hair removal while pregnant?” let’s discuss.
Connection Between Pregnancy & Hair Growth
During pregnancy, your body is flooded with hormones. Higher levels of estrogen and androgen can cause hair to grow in new places, especially in the third trimester. You might suddenly see hair on your belly, face, neck, breasts, and arms. The good news is that this hair growth is normal and usually goes away after the baby is born.
Pregnancy hormones not only affect where and how much hair grows but also change your hair’s growth cycle. Hair on your head and body has an active growth phase called anagen. Once it’s fully grown, it enters a resting phase called telogen, after which it falls out.
Pregnancy hormones delay the falling-out phase, which is why your hair might look thicker and fuller. Your body isn’t shedding as much hair as usual. About three to six months after the baby is born, when your hormones return to normal, the extra hair will fall out. This sudden hair loss is called telogen effluvium.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant in The First Trimester?
Laser hair removal targets the dark pigment in hair. It causes heat or physical damage to the hair follicle. However, there are no studies on how safe laser hair removal is during pregnancy. Because of this, many healthcare providers suggest avoiding it while pregnant, as the effects on the baby are unknown. You must especially be careful during your first trimester.
Laser Hair Removal Alternatives
Temporary hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, threading, and tweezing are generally safe during pregnancy. As your body changes, you might need help reaching some areas to remove unwanted hair.
If you choose to visit an aesthetician, make sure the place is clean. You must also check if the technician is licensed for the service you want. However, depilatory creams have been considered safe during pregnancy. There are no studies proving that chemicals like barium sulfide powder and thioglycolic acid are completely safe for mothers and babies.
It’s also important to know that the FDA has received reports of painful skin reactions from these creams. Since there isn’t much research on their effects, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before using them.
How Soon After Delivery Can You Schedule Laser Hair Removal?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests viewing postpartum care as a long-term process, not just one appointment. In the first few months after giving birth, stay in regular contact with your doctor to talk about the changes in your body.
Your doctor can help you decide when your hormones have returned to normal and when your skin is ready for laser treatments. These discussions are especially important if you have any wounds or incisions from an episiotomy or cesarean delivery.
Wrapping Up
For every pregnant woman, the primary concern is their baby’s health. Therefore, “Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?” is a massive concern. Researchers so far have no evidence about lasers being harmless for the baby. So, it is better to wait.
After going through this rewarding experience, you can visit our team at Vital Clinic and Spa. Our expert technicians provide efficient laser hair removal services. Call us at (832) 533-8404 for an appointment.