Maternal health experts have cautioned expectant mothers about the potential risks of using makeup and personal care products during pregnancy, as some chemicals found in these products could increase the likelihood of developing hypertension.
The warning comes following a recent study that revealed phenols and parabens in cosmetics and personal care items could raise the risk of high blood pressure by 57% during pregnancy.
These chemicals have been shown to interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to serious health issues for both the mother and the baby.
NAIJATRAFFIC has learnt that, a Renowned gynaecologists have advised pregnant women to be cautious when using products like hair dyes and nail polishes, as they may contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin.
Dr. Joseph Akinde, a former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, emphasized that exposure to certain chemicals in makeup and personal care products could elevate the risk of hypertension, which in turn could lead to complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, threatening the health of both mother and baby.
Maternal hypertension during pregnancy also increases the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and premature labor, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes for the baby, including neonatal death.
“Parabens found in some make-up have been said to interfere with the hormone oestrogen which is normally found in pregnancy in very high levels. Oestrogen is known to cause water and salt retention. This may be the possible mechanism by which their use results in increased blood pressure in pregnancy.
“High blood pressure in pregnancy currently is one of the five leading causes of maternal death in pregnancy. High blood pressure in pregnancy is assessed with adverse effects for both baby and mother. On the part of the baby, it may result in growth restriction, premature labour intrauterine death and neonatal mortality,” he stated.
Dr. Akinde, a maternal expert, warned pregnant women to exercise caution when using makeup and personal care products due to potential risks.
He recommended safer alternatives, such as coconut oil and Vaseline, and stressed the importance of avoiding unapproved drugs and chemicals, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, unless explicitly recommended by healthcare providers.
He added, “A safer alternative for pregnant women would include simple creams like coconut oil and Vaseline cream.
“Pregnant women are often advised to avoid the use of drugs and chemicals not recommended by their physician, particularly in the first three months of pregnancy.
“Pregnant women should always be counselled on the potential risks of damage to the growing fetus in the womb more so in the early stages of pregnancy and as much as possible avoid situations where the baby could be damaged through chemicals used by the mother at this stage of pregnancy.”
Dr. Daniel Erinoso, a consultant gynaecologist, supported the warning, explaining that many personal care products, including cosmetics, contain endocrine disruptors like parabens, which can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance.
During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels can lead to complications, such as increased blood pressure.
To minimize risks, Erinoso advised pregnant women to avoid products with endocrine disruptors and opt for safer alternatives.
He emphasized the importance of awareness and education among pregnant women about potential chemical risks during pregnancy.
Additionally, Professor Kayode Ajenifuja, a gynaecology oncologist, warned that chemicals like phenols and parabens can reduce blood flow to the placenta, causing growth restriction, and lead to high blood pressure by damaging heart muscle cells.
Both experts stressed the importance of prioritizing health and safety during pregnancy, recommending natural, organic alternatives and careful product label reading.
The don stated, “The link has not been well elucidated but inflammation and the release of reactive oxygen species have been implicated. Some of these products cannot be totally avoided because they are found in many household products like plastic drinking bottles, and nylons (Some people use nylons to wrap hot foods like Amala, Eba and even Moin moin.
“The chemicals destroy the muscle cells of the heart from the reactive oxygen species that they produce.”
When inquired how high blood pressure can affect a pregnant woman and her newborn, the physician stated, “A high BP in pregnancy reduces the blood flow to the placenta, which leads to a reduced supply of nutrients to the growing baby. The result is that the baby fails to achieve its growth potential.
“The effects of high blood pressure on the mother are that it may lead to reduced blood supply to her kidneys, the placenta may separate prematurely from the uterus, called abruptio placentae, convulsion which medically is called eclampsia, liver damage, renal damage.”
Dr. Ajenifuja, a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, cautioned pregnant women against using makeup products containing harmful substances, recommending safer alternatives instead.
He also urged the government to regulate the importation of such substances and ensure proper product labeling.
The recent study’s findings are alarming, as hypertension during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and fetus, including reduced placental blood flow, leading to growth restriction, low birth weight, and premature birth, as well as increased risk of preeclampsia and stroke.
According to lead researcher Julia Varshavsky, the study identified chemicals in common personal care products like soaps, lotions, makeup, and sunscreen that increase hypertension risk.
With women using an average of 12 personal care products daily, the findings are particularly concerning, highlighting the need for awareness and caution.
“And the fact that these can increase, the risk of hypertension during pregnancy is important because that sets the stage for lifelong health in both the mother and the child,” Varshavsky added.
The study suggests that the surge in blood pressure may be attributed to the inflammatory and oxidative stress triggered by these chemicals, as well as their potential to disrupt hormonal balance, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure.
Consequently, the researchers advise pregnant women to exercise caution when selecting personal care products, opting for paraben-free alternatives.
This recommendation is particularly significant, given that approximately 80% of personal care products contain parabens, which have been linked to increased health risks.
“The good thing about phenols and parabens is that these chemicals have short biological half-lives, which means that we metabolise them relatively quickly. So, if we reduce our exposure, the levels in our bodies go down pretty quickly,” Varshavsky mentioned.
