Q – I am 30-weeks pregnant, and wondering if it’s safe to perm my hair.  I know the general suggestion is no, but in a handout my doctor gave me, it writes ‘occasional’ is fine.  I am confused.  Please help!

A – Having a perm or colouring your hair in pregnancy will not cause a problem for the baby. We are a little more sensitive to smells while pregnant so the smell of the solutions might bother you a bit more while you are pregnant.  Also, our hair can change while we are pregnant and it may take colour or perming a little differently than usual, so have the hair dresser check your hair frequently.

– Dr. Linda Ducholke, a mother of two, has been a successful Family Practitioner with Obstetrical privileges for the past 20 years. The main focus and passion of her practice is obstetrics and childcare.