If you’re apprehensive about your pregnancy transformation, remember the changes are happening for a good reason: You are creating a new human being! Bearing that in mind, here are a few pointers to help you revel in your nine-month metamorphosis while not totally losing sight of your non-pregnant self.

Don’t neglect your skin

Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on your skin. Your complexion may look great, with that pregnancy glow, break out like it hasn’t since you were a teen or it may become drier and look splotchy. However, this is not the time to change products keep to your usual regime but maybe just add a good organic moisturizer or olive oil which can work wonders anywhere skin feels dry including over that expanding belly!

Don’t underestimate the power of organic makeup

Makeup can do wonders during pregnancy (just make sure it is organic). It can be used as a tool to feel pretty and in control. This is particularly important during a time when many women feel they have lost control of their body. So go ahead and have some fun: Try a new shade of lipstick or eye shadow. Makeup can be washed off, it isn’t permanent, and its a great way to give yourself a quick pick-me-up.

Avoid hair-raising hairstyle changes

One big pregnancy perk due to hormone changes is thicker, more lustrous locks. Some women also notice that the texture of their hair changes or their locks become shinier. If you normally have a thick head of hair and fear that any more will be unmanageable, you may find a shorter cut easier to wear while you’re pregnant. But, it is not advisable to go for a dramatic change as your body is going through enough changes as it is. Work with your stylist to find a cut that suits you. Use clips, combs and other hair accessories to enhance your style, but don’t overdo it, less is more and you may regret an emotionally driven drastic change.

Enhance your inner fashion

Today there are so many hip maternity clothes available that your biggest challenge will be sticking to your budget. With so many great choices, you should have no trouble finding something that suits your style. Unlike in the past when there were only a couple of specialized places to find maternity wear now many department stores carry their own lines at reasonable prices.

Here is a tip for your maternity wardrobe. Buy a few basics you can mix and match, for example a pair of black, denim and beige trousers, Capris or shorts (depending on the season). These can then be rotated with various colored tunics, shirts and cardigans and also used for various occasions. Accessorizing can also make you feel better or give an outfit that little extra. Just by adding some chunky jewelry or a pretty scarf can make all the difference.

Do not buy loads in advance, wait and see how you change and buy your clothes accordingly, otherwise you could end up with items you never wear but you thought looked cute in the shop.

Talk yourself into a good mood

If all else fails, remind yourself that even though you cant squeeze into a slinky dress or your favorite jeans right now, you are still fabulous. Beauty is a state of mind and not a certain look, size, or weight. You are glowing, you are pregnant, and you are beautiful!

About the author:
Julian Hall of GiftBabies.co.uk - The Baby Gifts Company - The Most Unique, Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

Shop for organic makeup, personal care, bath and beauty items at http://amuchbetterstore.com

Shop for natural and organic pregnancy items at http://amuchbetterstore.com

Check how toxic your cosmetics are at Skin Deep’s database of safety ratings for nearly 25,000 personal care products for people wanting to avoid ingredients such as mercury, lead and human placenta extract.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/misocrazy/68152880/

Why women eat sugar during pregnancy
The biggest problem with sugar intake during pregnancy is that it is socially acceptable, unlike drugs, alcohol or smoking. Many if not most women will quit drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine as soon as they find out they are pregnant due to social pressures and concern for their baby’s wellbeing. It is not only socially acceptable for pregnant women to eat sugar, but they are often encouraged by family members to eat more sugary treats and give in to their cravings.

Women also believe they are finally entitled to eat whatever they please as a benefit of being pregnant. While they may deny themselves Krispy Kremes and Haagen Daaz normally, during pregnancy anything goes because nobody will say anything and they plan on gaining weight anyway.

In addition to the lack of social restraint, pregnant women also experience powerful cravings for a variety of foods, and sugary treats are often on the list. The reason for these cravings is not a physiological need for sugar however, but a need for regular meals and snacks throughout the day. You have a much greater blood supply and extra hormones in your body during pregnancy and that means that you feel dips in your blood sugar more so than when you are not pregnant.

Skipping meals is a no-no for non-pregnant people because they will reach for the first candy bar or soda they can get their hands on a few hours later. This is even more true during pregnancy. It may feel like an overpowering craving but it is simply your body crying out for fuel. Regular, small meals are the answer, not a piece of chocolate cake.

Why Sugar is Worse During Pregnancy
Eating foods with refined sugar is bad for everyone. Even in healthy people, sugar causes weight gain, tooth decay, gum disease, rapid fluctuations in blood sugar that tax the body, reduced immunity, displaced minerals, elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and premature aging.

The sugar story gets worse for pregnant women. During pregnancy, sugar is rapidly absorbed into your blood and in order to regulate this sugar, your body requires larger amounts of insulin which is released by your pancreas. If you are eating excessive or even moderate amounts of sugar, your pancreas is going to have a difficult time keeping up. If your pancreas falls short of its job, then your blood sugar levels stay elevated. This is a problem even if you not develop full blown gestational diabetes (which is insulin intolerance).

Excessive sugar intake and elevated blood sugar levels will also cause you to gain excessive weight while pregnant. While you should gain a moderate amount of weight during pregnancy, it should be due to the weight of your fetus, increased blood volume and uterine contents, breast size and other pregnancy related weight, not just growing a fatter butt. When you are simply taking in more calories than you need, you are not the only one who gains excessive weight. Your baby may also grow too large.

Macrosomia is a condition where a baby grows excessively large due to a constantly high level of maternal blood sugar, generally due to gestational diabetes. This condition increases the risk of birth complications such as shoulder distocia and cesarean section. In addition, large babies of mothers with elevated blood sugar levels also have a higher risk of childhood obesity.

In addition to packing unnecessary pounds on yourself and complicating your pregnancy and birth with an overly large baby with a propensity for health problems, you will also run the additional risk of pregnancy related dental problems if you engage in excessive sugar consumption. Oral health during pregnancy is extremely important because toxins from periodontal disease have been proven to cross the placental barrier and reach your fetus, potentially causing both premature birth and birth defects. In fact, women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have a premature delivery than those with healthy gums.

In addition, women and society in general like to use the term “eating for two” which is actually nonsense. During your first trimester you do not require any extra calories and your body only needs an extra 300 calories during the second and third trimester, which should consist of high quality protein, vitamins and minerals because your body is literally building another human being. If you are not eating the proper nutrients to build a little human being’s bones, blood, fingernails and hair, then the necessary nutrients will be sucked out of your nutritional stores, putting you at risk for lifelong health problems, osteoporosis, postpartum depression and a number of other health conditions that are entirely avoidable by eating well before, during and after pregnancy.

In addition, it makes sense to get the sugar out of your house before your child is born. Children who regularly eat sugar experience raised adrenal levels, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, low immunity, crankiness, sleep troubles, tooth decay, obesity and weight problems and lifelong health problems and disease. Do you think it is easier to get the sugar out of your home before they are born or when they are 10 and addicted to Fruit Loops or other such nonsense?

“It doesn’t matter what disease we are talking about, whether we are talking about a common cold or about cardiovascular disease, or cancer or osteoporosis, the root is always going to be at the cellular and molecular level, and more often than not insulin is going to have its hand in it, if not totally controlling it.” Healingdaily.com

Forms of Sugar
Sugar is more than that white stuff you put in your coffee. Sugar is everywhere and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and it is imperative that you know the sneaky forms that sugar comes in if you plan on avoiding it. First and foremost, virtually anything in a bag, box or can has added sugar. There are a very few exceptions to that rule, such as a bag of frozen vegetables, but by and large, any pre-packaged, prepared food is going to have added sugar, period.

If you insist on buying packaged foods, read the labels. Anything with a label is bound to have sugar anyway, but read for yourself. Look for any ingredient ending in ‘ose’. Fructose, dextrose and glucose are all sugars. Bread has sugar. Pizza has sugar. Sodas, pastries, cakes, cookies, and other goodies all have sugar. Almost everything has some form of sugar in it.

In addition, other foods such as dairy and starches will convert to sugar in your body more rapidly than high protein foods and vegetables. It is important to become familiar with the glycemix index if you wish to lower your sugar intake.

Sugar Alternatives
Ideally you will simply forgo fast food, packaged foods, drinks and baked goods while pregnant for high quality protein and raw produce but it may be very unrealistic for you to change your eating habits cold turkey especially if your family and friends tend to indulge in the foods you are trying to avoid.

White sugar is processed with chemicals and all the good nutrients are stripped from it. It is nothing short of poison and you should not touch it. Whatever you do, do not under any circumstances, substitute chemical sweeteners. They are even worse than sugar. Nutrasweet, Aspartame, Sucralose and Splenda. Poison, poison, poison. They are man made, chemical toxins. Do not dream of touching them while you are pregnant if you value your health and the health of your unborn child. They are linked to a myriad of long term, health conditions. Don’t even think about it. If the package says, “low sugar” or “sugar free”, run don’t walk the other way.

If you would like to still have a little bit of sweetness in your life go ahead, in moderation, by choosing sweeteners made by mother nature. Enjoy these options in their raw, natural forms and keep in mind that they are still high on the glycemic index and can also contribute to tooth decay. Blackstrap molasses is exceptionally healthy and will add delicious maltiness to coffee and baked goods. Raw, organic honey with propolis is also considered an amazing health food and is an excellent sugar replacement. Stevia is another natural sugar alternative but has not been tested on pregnant women, so you may wish to err on the side of caution. Even sugar itself is loaded with nutrients if it is raw, organic and untouched. If is is just a sugar fix you crave, get some high quality organic, fair trade chocolate. It will load you up with antioxidants and potentially keep your stress level down if you are a real sugar addict.

Women quit smoking when they find out they are pregnant. Women stop drinking when they find out they are pregnant and women should also stop eating sugar when they find out they are pregnant if they value their health and the health of their beautiful, unborn child.

More resources about sugar dangers:
Healingdaily.com
Pregnancy: High-Normal Blood Sugar Risky - WebMD.com
Sugar in Urine During Pregnancy - Drspock.com
Dr. Greene recommends blood test for glucose, called HgA1C

Image source: http://flickr.com/photos/pinkspleen/471510638/

“The “old wives” tale of “a tooth for every pregnancy” is based on misconceptions that oral problems during pregnancy are a normal occurrence and cannot be prevented. Even though hormonal changes are occurring, making the pregnant woman more at risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis, a mouth that is clean (i.e. good plaque control) does not develop pregnancy gingivitis.” www.umanitoba.ca

Author: Sheila Wolf

On at least three separate occasions, I can remember having the privilege of breaking the news of a young woman’s pregnancy from my side of the dentist’s chair. I use the word “privilege” with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek, however. After all, the diagnosis was only determined because of the patient’s tender, red, swollen gums. Ouch!

Talk about taking the good news with the bad . . .

Known as pregnancy gingivitis, this unpleasant condition is often assumed to be one of the natural consequences of the hormonal changes often found in pregnant women. The hormones involved, estrogen and progesterone, are secreted in progressively greater concentrations throughout most of pregnancy. While this reaction is necessary for preparing a woman’s body for the journey ahead, the resulting flood of hormones results in a variety of effects.

Hormones tell the kidneys to retain water in order to build blood volume to have enough to nourish the placenta. Thus a pregnant woman has 40% more fluid in her body. As a result, this increases the amount of fluid in all the cells in the body, including the gum tissues, which causes them to become “puffy.” Between the time of conception and the seventh month of pregnancy, hormones will triple in quantity, and then remain at that heightened level until childbirth.

Meanwhile, as if she doesn’t have enough to contend with, the pregnant patient with hormones out of whack is swollen and tender and sometimes cannot do an effective job with her oral hygiene.

I am pleased to tell you that with above standard oral hygiene, this condition can be almost entirely avoided. Remember, it is the bacteria, not the hormones, which cause the gingivitis. Despite the fact that the statistics reveal 50-75% of all pregnant women develop pregnancy gingivitis, that doesn’t have to mean you. If you are reading this article after the fact, you can be assured that this condition is reversible with proper home care, techniques, tools, and medicines.

Dr. Thomas Rams, professor and chairman of the Department of Periodontology at Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, says, “There are hormonal shifts in pregnancy that reduce the gingival tissue resistance to infection, and there is also an increased risk that the hormones circulating will help promote the growth of certain bacteria and plaque, which causes inflammation.”

Rams also says, “In periodontitis, bacterial plaque infection not only causes inflammation of gingival tissues like gingivitis, but also progressively destroys connective tissue fibers and surrounding bone anchoring teeth to the jaws, resulting in the loss of teeth.”

“Researchers of one study who published their results in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before gestational week 37) than mothers with healthy gums. Mothers with the most severe periodontal disease delivered the most prematurely at 32 weeks.” www.webmd.com

Knowing how to minimize the bacterial biofilm in your mouth, and especially along the gum line, is the key factor in preventing pregnancy gingivitis and the escalating symptoms that often continue during pregnancy. However, a woman needs to be taught before she gets pregnant how to eliminate bacteria on a daily basis.

Because gums can be painful, puffy, and bleeding during pregnancy, the tendency is to avoid touching them. However, it is imperative that you practice good oral hygiene during pregnancy to avoid both tooth decay and gum infections. Pregnancy, with its three-fold increase in hormones, may exaggerate the body’s normal response to dental plaque.

It need not increase your risk of getting gum disease . . .

Although relatively rare, the body’s response to inflammation may produce another offset of the “joy” of childbirth: a pregnancy “tumor” (also called pyogenic granuloma). This “tumor” may develop on the gums in response to the irritating bacteria that collects there. Rest assured, however, that these growths of extra tissue are usually painless, and totally benign. However, if they get large these “pregnancy tumors” can become annoying and should be treated. Meticulous oral hygiene is the answer to avoiding the inflammation associated with these growths, and it is comforting to know that they usually subside after childbirth.

Fascinating Factoid: “Occasionally chewing sugarless gum is helpful to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth, without contributing to the risk of gingivitis. It may also be helpful in averting pregnancy related nausea and morning sickness.”

Brushing, flossing, and irrigating daily (all done gently but deliberately) are important in preventing gingivitis, during pregnancy and anytime in your life. In addition, it is important to pay attention to eating more healthfully for yourself and your baby, by substituting fruits, cheese, nuts, and vegetables for those sugary foods you might have enjoyed before becoming pregnant. If your gums are tender and brushing is painful, try ice, or several helpful over the counter products that will soothe painful gums. These include:

*Gly-oxide
*Peroxyl mouth rinse
*Amosan oral rinse
*Anbesol liquid
*Orajel Mouth-Aid

(Please be sure to ask your doctor if she has objections to any of these products.)

Sheryl’s comment:
There are a number of additional ways you can prevent gingivitis:

• Use plaque disclosing tablets so you don’t miss anything
• Use an electric toothbrush to brush long enough
• Use a water pik to rinse away bacteria in hard to reach spaces
• Always drink a bit of water after eating
• Eat raw. Raw food does not stick to your teeth
• Skip the bread,sugar and soda This is critical during pregnancy anyway
• Some studies show that antacids could prevent gingivitis
• Listerine and Viadent are proven to reduce plaque
• Massage top and bottom gums daily with your thumb and forefinger
• Brush or scrape your tongue as often as you brush your teeth
• Skip commercial toothpastes. Fluoride is toxic as are many of the fillers, chemicals and additives found in common toothpastes. Learn more about toxic toothpastes (and check out your brand) at www.ewg.org.
• Neem and Tea tree oil both have properties which helps prevent and even reverse gingivitis without the toxic chemicals found in drugstore toothpaste.

Buy the book: Pregnancy and Oral Health

About the Author:
Sheila Wolf, RDH, affectionately called “Mama Gums,” has been a registered dental hygienist since 1971. She is currently retired from clinical practice but enjoys writing, speaking, and consulting on various oral health issues. She has authored two award-winning books, Pregnancy and Oral Health: The critical connection between your mouth and your baby, and Your Mouth Could Be KILLING You. Both are available on her website, www.mamagums.com
Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/awesomejoolie/367809895/

by Sheryl Lyon

Are you trying to go organic during your pregnancy? You might be eating organic but what about the products you put on your skin? Just because they say natural or even organic, it certainly does not mean they are safe for you, much less for your tiny fetus. Personal care products are not regulated the same way that food items are. Please do not be naive. These products contain ingredients linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, developmentive and reproductive toxicity, organ toxicity, allergies, endocrine disruption, biochemical and cellular changes and more. The Environmental Working Group has put together a database of cosmetics, skin, hair and nail products with scores based on the toxicity of the ingredients with zero being the safest and ten the most hazardous.

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or lactating then go into your bathroom right now, grab every item that you use on your face, body or hair, bring them to your computer and go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com Type in each and every brand name and you will see exactly what you are putting into your body and your baby through your skin. Unless you are using items that you are making in your own kitchen, then the results are sure to shock you.

So here it is, the winners and losers, safest and most hazardous. You can click on any ingredient name for full details of the dangers you are exposing yourself and your baby to. If you are interested in purchasing any of the top ten you can click the product name to go directly to Amazon or visit our Natural Pregnancy Store.

The winner: Zenmomma Belly and Body Oil Mist
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Almond, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils (all of which are zero concern). Also contains TOCOPHEROL

The loser: Vitabath Moisturizing Dry Oil
Score: 8 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Contains ingredients that are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity and more. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), D & C VIOLET 2, and BHT

Make your own: Many women simply rub straight olive, almond, jojoba or other nut/seed oil directly on their growing tummy. You know you won’t be harming your precious baby and it is much less expensive than commercially prepared products.

The winner: There is no winner in this category, only losers. The lowest score in the entire category is a six and you should not expose your fetus to more than a zero or 1.

The biggest loser: Mustela Special Maternity Lotion, Stretch Marks Intensive Action
Score: 7 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persistence and bioaccumulation, biochemical and cellular changes and more. Some of the ingredients of concern: CETEARETH-33, FRAGRANCE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN and more.

Make your own: Many experts claim that there is absolutely nothing you can do about stretch marks. They happen from the inside due to stress on the skin and they are actually inside out scars. It does not hurt to try to battle these pregnancy war wounds (unless you are using commercially prepared stretch mark cream). Try unrefined cocoa butter, vitamin E capsules, shea butter and wheat germ oil. Keep your skin healthy from the inside by drinking tons of water and getting plenty of E, C and Zinc from your diet as well as your prenatal vitamin.

The winner: UV Natural Sport SPF 30+
Score: 0 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Zinc Oxide, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Sesame, Safflower and Macadamia Nut Oils.

The loser: Coppertone Sunblock Lotion, UVA/UVB Protection, SPF15, Waterproof
Score: 7 - (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and non-reproductive organ system toxicity (among other things) OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), OXYBENZO (BENZOPHENONE-3) and FRAGRANCE

Make your own:
Many natural health advocates including Dr. Mercola and Mike Adams, are loud and adamant detractors of sunscreen. They believe (and I agree) that the entire market is fabricated on nonsense and rather than preventing cancer, the chemicals contained in sunscreen actually cause cancer. While pregnant, please avoid putting commercial sunscreens on your skin at all costs. Yes of course you want to avoid getting sunburned but there are plenty of non-chemical ways to do that. Try wearing hats and long sleeve shirts and seeking shade. Do not spend hours baking in the sun.

Still want to use sunscreen? Check out Environmental Working Groups Best and Worst Sunscreen Lists.

The winner: Crystal Body Deodorant Spray Mist
Score: Zero(Low Hazard)
What it contains: Potassium Alum and Water

The loser: Suave Silky Smooth Antiperspirant Deodorant Invisible Solid Silk Blossom
Score: 6 (Moderate Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients are linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, organ system toxicity and more. Ingredients of concern are: ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TRICHLOROHYDREX GLY, FRAGRANCE, BHT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-8 DISTEARATE

Make your own: Sweating is healthy and totally normal! Anything that blocks your sweat glands or inhibits this natural detoxing action is very unhealthy. Additionally, the aluminum contained in antiperspirants has been linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer among other things. Therefore please avoid anti persperspirants at all costs while pregnant. Being stinky does not bring a health benefit however, but there are much more natural ways to remain clean and fresh without the use of dangerous chemicals on your skin. Some people swear that a raw/vegan diet keeps them so clean they do not need deodorant or shampoo. Other people only use soap and water and never complain of body odor. In addition you can try baking soda or deodorant crystals. If you really want a stick or spray, then check out these sites for some homemade deodorant recipes. recipes 1 and recipes 2

The winner: Aubrey Organics Evening Primrose and Lavender Skin Care Bar
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Lavender Oil, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Acid and Evening Primrose Oil

The loser: The Body Shop White Musk Bath and Shower Gel
Score: 9 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients that are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity. Contains too many harmful ingredients to list, but some of top are: EUGENOL, FRAGRANCE, ISOEUGENOL, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, D&C VIOLET 2, LINALOOL, GERANIOL, LIMONENE, COUMARIN, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, BUTYLPARABEN

Make your own: Mix oatmeal and yogurt, apply and rinse off for a gentle cleanser. Mix oatmeal and brown sugar for a body scrub. Try just using plain water and a washcloth every other shower unless you are playing in the mud. Visit www.pioneerthinking.com for more recipes.

The Winner: Perfect Organics Hazelnut Coffee Shea Butter
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Organic Shea Butter, organic hazelnut and coffee extracts

The Loser: Neutrogena Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
Score: 10 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persistence and bioaccumulation, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular level changes. To make matters worse, they test on animals and using this product increases your risk of sunburn. Ingredients of concern: ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, FRAGRANCE, SALICYLIC ACID, OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-3), BHT, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), DISODIUM EDTA, and SODIUM HYDROXIDE (among others).

Make your own: Just like the belly oils and stretch mark cream, you can easily make your own with any combination of vegetable or nut oils and butters. If you are laying off the toxic cleansers and other personal care products then your body should retain its natural oils and you should not need as much moisturizer.

The Winner: Toms of Maine Natural Baking Soda Toothpaste with Propolis and Myrrh
Score: 1 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Myrrh, Water, Propolis, a Calcium Carbonate Base and Glycerin (which bumped the score to a one)

The Loser: Rembrandt Dazzling White Mint
Score: 5 - (Moderate Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients have been linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular changes (among other things). Ingredients of concern: ALUMINA, METHYLPARABEN, PAPAIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL,

Make your own: Brush your teeth with a plain brush, or dip your brush in any combination of baking soda, salt and/or hydrogen peroxide. If you really need to use a paste you can easily make your own with items available at any drugstore.

8. SHAMPOO

The Winner: Molton Brown Cassia Energy Hair and Body Wash
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Calcium Oxide, Cassia (Cinnamon scent), Rosemary Oil, Lemon
Bonus: Its a combination product (shampoo and body cleanser) - so you also get to use a zero product on your body.

Winner #2: Korres Sunflower Extract and Vitamin F Shampoo
Score: Zero (Low Hazard)
Bonus: Sunflower extract is a natural color protector
What it contains: Provitamin B5, Sunflower Extract, Vitamin F, Wheat Proteins

The loser: Redken Extreme Shampoo
Score: 9- (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persisitence and bioaccumulation, biochemical or cellular level changes and they test on animals. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, SALICYLIC ACID, LECITHIN, COCAMIDE DEA, LACTIC ACID, OLETH-10, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZOIC ACID, TAURINE

Make your own: Believe it or not some people forego shampoo altogether. Seriously. Check it out by Googling “no poo”. Make a paste of baking soda and water and massage it into your scalp with your fingertips. Rinse with water then apple cider vinegar. You could also try rinsing with lemon juice or plain water. As with the deodorant, the closer to a raw/vegan diet you have, the less you will need chemicals to clean off the toxins that your body eliminates. You can also rinse your hair with beer or use a number of other items from your kitchen

9. CONDITIONER

The winner: Aubrey Organics- BGA Protein + Strengthening Creme Rinse
Score: 1 (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Vitamin A, TOCOPHEROL, Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Lavender Oil, Milk Thistle Extract, Citrus Seed Extract, Coconut Acid, Almond Protein, Rosewater and Organic BlueGreen Algae.

The Loser: Matrix Biolage Daily Leave in Tonic
Score: 8 (High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies/immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, persisitence and bioaccumulation, biochemical or cellular level changes and they test on animals. Ingredients of concern: DMDM HYDANTOIN, FRAGRANCE, POLYQUATERNIUM-11, TRIETHANOLAMINE, BUTYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, OLETH-5, OCTINOXATE (OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE), DISODIUM EDTA and more.

Make your own: Use any combination of raw egg, mayonnaise, avocado, olive oil, banana, coconut oil, honey, any vegetable or nut oil Visit www.pioneerthinking.com for more recipes.

The winner: Lyphazome Inside Tan
Score: 2 - (Low Hazard)
What it contains: Jojoba Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, and Shea Butter which pregnant skin loves, but it also contains a few items of concern such as LECITHIN, DIHYDROXYACETONE, DIMETHICONE,

The loser: Banana Boat Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion (Dark)
Score: 10-(High Hazard)
What it contains: Ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive/reproductive toxicity, allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular level changes. Ingredients of concern: FRAGRANCE, DIHYDROXYACETONE, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, BUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, DISODIUM EDTA among others.

Make your own: Get 10-20 minutes of sun a day, you will feel better and get some crucial vitamin D. Pregnancy is the most important time to give up extraneous chemicals and sunless tanner is not necessary when you have that beautiful pregnancy glow. OK, maybe you don’t feel very glowy without your tanner, but is nine short months really that long to go without sunless tanner if it maintains optimal fetal development? Your baby is too precious to risk his or her health for a fake tan.

Thanks for reading! Drop a comment if you have your own recipe to recommend or a low hazard product that you just love! Maybe we will include it in the next list. Visit the Non-toxic personal care department of our Natural Pregnancy Store if you are interested in purchasing any of the items on the list.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/jpmatth/2626922668/

When a woman is pregnant, hormonal changes occur pretty rapidly in a woman’s body. And since hormones travel throughout a woman’s body through the bloodstream, it only makes sense that the jaws and the oral structures also receive a healthy dose of hormones.

This can result in an increase incidence of gum disease, especially if the pregnant woman does not take the necessary precautions to prevent the bacteria from building up. If you have gum disease before you became pregnant, it is more likely it can get more severe if you become pregnant.

The reason for this is multi-factorial. One reason for this is that the pregnant mother easily neglect their oral hygiene. With all the excitement of expecting a new child, thoroughly cleaning their teeth and gums is not a priority. These women neglect their flossing and brushing when it is more important to pay more attention to them.

In addition to the distractions, pregnant women also fail to realize that their hormones affect their gums. In fact, in one study, they found that more severe periodontal disease poses additional threat to pregnant diabetics.

Finally, poor nutrition can play a significant role during pregnancy especially during the first trimester when you feel sick and not likely eating the most nutritious foods. Eating the right foods and maintaining a proper nutrition is not only good for your baby but also good to maintain healthy gums.

If you are pregnant, here are some tips you can use today to help prevent gum disease from sneaking up on you and your baby.

• Brush and Floss. Just because you are pregnant does not mean you can neglect your smile. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least once daily.
• Make sure to include in your diet foods that are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats.
• It is also important for you to drink lots of water.
• Consume or supplement with Folic Acid. Folic acid is also very important in your diet. Folic acid is usually found in green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, bell peppers, and nuts.
• You also need to take plenty of diary products because these food groups are rich in calcium. Pregnant women need more calcium intake because their baby usually takes their calcium nutrients, which leaves them to lack calcium for their own body nutrients.

So, if you are pregnant you should not only think of your growing baby inside you, you should also take care of yourself. Maintaining a balanced diet, proper nutrition, and excellent oral hygiene will save you from any surprises and damaging gum diseases.

Auhor: Dr. Marvin Pantangco
About the author: Marvin Pantangco, DDS, the Leading Internet Dental Advisor, invites you to visit the high-traffic dental advice website http://www.SmileIQ.com and learn all you need to know about your smile. Sign up for our Free Newsletter where you will receive valuable tips on keeping your smile healthy and naturally beautiful. Also visit http://www.Cosmetic-Dentistry-Info.net for more information on cosmetic dentistry.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/zacky8/734111832/