Questions & Answers

PREMATURITY What causes preterm labor? How do you determine a premature baby’s age? My baby has reflux and spits up constantly. How do I know he is getting enough to eat and when will this stop? What are the different levels of brain bleeds? What do they mean for a baby’s future? How early can a baby be born and live? BEAUTY AND SPA Is it safe to color my hair when I’m pregnant? Is it safe to use depilatories/hair removers when I’m pregnant? Can I use self-tanning lotions or sprays when I’m pregnant? Are tanning beds safe during pregnancy? Is it safe to sunbathe outside? Can I get a bikini wax when I’m pregnant? Can I get a tattoo when I’m pregnant? I have a tattoo. Will it affect my baby? What about belly-button rings and pregnancy? What about genital piercings and pregnancy? How will the piercing affect delivery? What about nipple piercings and pregnancy? What about breastfeeding and nipple piercings? Can I get my nails done when I’m pregnant? Are pregnancy massages a good idea? Are hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms safe during pregnancy? What about spa treatments—hot wax, wraps, mud baths, facials, etc.—during pregnancy? FOLIC ACID What is folic acid? Should I take extra folic acid with my prenatal vitamin? Is it possible to have too much folic acid? What are the side effects of taking folic acid? What is the difference between folate and folic acid? I am vegetarian and thinking about getting pregnant. Can I get enough folic acid from my food? Is the folic acid I am taking causing constipation? Will folic acid help me get pregnant?			Information specialists at the March of Dimes answer your questions by e-mail. LEARN MORE > Articles for parents, news, personal stories, and more! SUBSCRIBE >