Beauty and the Bump

We don't need to tell you that as a mama-to-be, lots of things are off-limits during pregnancy: alcohol, sushi and probably your favorite beauty products. I myself was a religious Retinol user pre-pregnancy and mildly panicked when I realized I'd have to give it up for months. This came immediately after the more-than-mild panic set in when I realized I'd have to give up red wine for months… but that's a whole different post itself.

Obviously you want to do everything in your power to make sure you do the absolute best for your unborn baby (that includes asking your waiter at every single restaurant every single time you go out to eat if the cheese is indeed pasteurized…and then asking again. Yes, I am THAT person). But what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body.

Luckily, you can still safely indulge in some beauty products without compromising the health of your baby. Here are a few of our favorite products to help you cultivate your baby-safe beauty routine.

MAMA MIO
A genius skincare line developed specifically for problem areas like stretch marks, bust firmers and cooling serums for the legs. Their products have what they call "no nasties," meaning no parabens, Their Tummy Rub Oil is a best-seller and a serious must-have for growing bellies.

NINE NATURALS
The Citrus+Mint Nourishing Pregnancy Shampoo and Conditioner is a safe, all-natural line that's sulfate-free, paraben-free and petro-chemical free, and it's made without using any artificial dyes or chemicals. Not to mention it'll make your locks feels super smooth and silky.

ADEN AND ANAIS
Notice your skin getting drier and itchier? It's not just your imagination; dehydration is a common complaint amongst preggos. The delicate Mum + Bub lotion nourishes and rejuvenates your stretchy, itchy skin with its naturally-derived, non-greasy formula (and smells amazing too).

BELLI SKIN CARE
This physician-formulated line is a favorite among moms-to-be as well as postpartum moms, with its clinically proven ingredients delivering results both before and after baby. Everything from this line is fantastic, but if you're struggling with pregnancy acne and looking for products without the dangerous salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide then look no further. The Anti-Blemish Face Wash and the Acne Control Spot Treatment are both popular products with great reviews.

BUTTER LONDON
Even most of your nail polishes aren't spared from your beauty overhaul, as most polishes aren't pregnancy-friendly. Look for versions that are formaldehyde-free like Butter London, which is totally free of the "Toxic Trio" (formaldehyde, toluene and DBP) and offers tons of pretty shades.

MUSTELA
The Mustela line has been a tried and true standby for moms (and babies) everywhere, offering a complete range of specially formulated skincare to aid in the changes of delicate skin of new moms and newborns. Using ingredients like avocado, Shea Butter and Aloe Vera, every product from this collection helps you combat the effects of hormone level changes and regain and maintain soft, healthy skin.

Want more baby-safe tips? We love this practical advice from goop:

"Instead of applying mascara at the roots of the lashes, apply it only to the tips of the lashes."

"Stage a ban on all synthetic perfumes. Instead, use essential oils (we love jasmine and citrus scents) and dab them onto your hair."

"Rather than getting a single process hair color that sits on the scalp, opt for highlights instead. Or get an ammonia-free glaze to keep the grays at bay. But wait until the second trimester to do any hair coloring treatment. Our motto is 'When in doubt, wait it out!'"

"Stay away from finger bowls and foot spas at the nail salon. Instead ask for a waterless manicure and pedicure."

"Shampoo every other time—or even every third time—you wash your hair to lessen the number of chemicals you're putting on your scalp. And apply conditioner to only the ends of the hair."

"Cancel your waxing appointment and throw away any depilatories or body and facial bleach. Laser hair removal is also a definite pregnancy no-no. Instead stick to good old shaving for the body and plucking or threading for the face."