2ww - what not to do

[AMH2]

Hi all

So I was planning on treating myself during this period, and also occupying myself, by having some treats like getting my hair done, getting my nails done, going for a massage etc.

A friend of mine has told me that both nail polish and hair dye are toxic so should be avoided and massage is not allowed in the first trimester.

Is this true? I am seriously running out of things to do!

[emmab178]

I had a maternity massage where the difference seems to be they are a bit more gentle and leave certain sections of your feet alone.

I've avoided nail polish since before ivf. I've heard that hair dye should be avoided.

Afternoon teas are obligatory though. Good luck x

[Rubinaa in reply to emmab178]

Absolutely, surely these two things are to be avoided for first couple of months. X

[N_M_10]

Hi, I am also in my tww. My roots are horrid as are my nails (shellac addict usually). After some advice from the the ladies on here I'm not getting either done until after tww.

I have managed to fill my first week baking, tidying my house, lunch dates, walks and Netflix.

Hope the tww goes quickly for you! Xxx

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Hi

If it's nail polish that is toxic then maybe you could still get a manicure without polish? I have heard that massage should be avoided because it can over stimulate the body, most places will not touch you in the first trimester and do specific maternity massages after that. I didn't realise hair dye was toxic. There is no way I will be able to avoid dying my hair!

If all these things are toxic what if any, is the level of risk?

[Fredaflintstone]

I wouldn't do those things just in case. I'd also not have afternoon tea - all that sugar is not good for implantation so I've read xx

[emmab178 in reply to Fredaflintstone]

No one mentioned anything about sugar to me which is weird as they mentioned to stay away from everything else that was fun.

I had afternoon teas and baked like crazy so the sugar was in full force in my house during the 2ww but shortly after I went off sweet things.

Is there any proof that avoiding any of this works? Hair dye and nail polish are chemicals and there's certain chemicals to be avoided such as ones containing styrene which are harmful to foetal development but really what damage is a couple of scones, clotted cream and a bit of jam.

[AMH2 in reply to emmab178]

I'm sure scones and jam aren't toxic, well unless you're eating them by the bag load!

[emmab178 in reply to AMH2]

I'm not going to respond to how many I may or may not have consumed. I'm sure it was balanced out with the daily pineapple plus core.....

[Fredaflintstone in reply to emmab178]

I'm sure it's just precautionary. Sugar causes inflammation which isn't meant to be good. But who knows? Personally I've cut it right back - willing to try anything! x

[emmab178 in reply to Fredaflintstone]

It is meant to be very bad for you and the next thing to cut out of the diet. I was on slimming world for years and I'm sure syn values are related to sugar content. I just gave up on dieting during ivf because there's just so much other stuff to deal with. And for my naughtiness put on 5 kg straight off which was not a good start to the pregnancy.

[Fredaflintstone in reply to emmab178]

Congratulations on your pregnancy - looks like the sugar didn't do you any harm xx

[AMH2 in reply to emmab178]

Congrats on your pregnancy, clearly sugar has no effect!

You are right about the control point too, there is no control over this situation unfortunately. Look at the amount of people who love unhealthy lives yet have no issue getting pregnant.

Still I guess it gives us something to focus on and a feeling of being able to control some part of this stressful process

[AMH2]

Thanks ladies

I don't think I can go without hair dye, I can stretch it for the 2ww though, but beyond that I would look horrid!

The nails I can live without

Are facials banned too? I have one of those booked as i thought it was ok

There is only so much cooking, Netflix, easing, shipping, walking a person can do

[AMH2]

Well I have taken that approach with alcohol (stopped completely since up reg) caffeine (1-2 teas a day, no coffee) and taken time off work to reduce stress.

Massage, nails and hair didn't occur to me as potential baddies but I guess these need to come off the list too !

[Anipea]

I currently in the 2ww and have been occupying myself going out for nice walks around shopping areas to distract me, knitting and I bought some fabric yesterday to have a go at sewing together some cushions . Think I might do some baking later on in the week too.

[emmab178]

I think by avoiding some of these things it makes you feel in control when possibly your just rolling the dice in this whole process.

I went for sulphite and paraben free toiletries but then I've got allergies so it was easy to do and no big deal. Same with alcohol and caffeine although caffeine was and still is tough to do without.

To give up scones would have been a step too far.

Dont forget they also say no housework, that's everything hoovering, laundry, dishes the lot. That's what I told my husband, after all there has to be some silver lining with all the do nots.

[AMH2 in reply to emmab178]

My other half isn't falling for that unfortunately he reckons I should just carry on as normal as advised by the clinic, he is talking that piece of advice very seriously particularly as I'm off he's expecting dinner every night and extra cleaning activities!

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Lush cosmetics do a henna dye I'm thinking of trying that as it's natural xxx