Pregnant women wearing makeup risk hypertension, gynaecologists warn

Pregnant women using makeup and personal care products have higher chances of developing hypertension, maternal child health experts have warned.

According to them, exposure to certain chemicals found in personal care products could lead to an increased risk of hypertension, a condition that could have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the gynaecologists advised expectant mothers to be cautious when using hair dyes, nail polishes, and skincare creams, as they could contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, and parabens.

The warning comes as new research suggests that exposure to certain chemicals found in cosmetics and personal care products could lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

A recent study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that phenols and parabens, two common classes of chemicals found in many personal care products, could raise the risk of hypertension during pregnancy.

The new study revealed that phenols and parabens could raise the risk of developing high blood pressure by 57 per cent, and the risk is particularly high between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.

The findings were based on health data of more than 1,000 pregnant women in northern Puerto Rico. To estimate the levels of 12 phenols and parabens, the researchers conducted a urine test on each participant.

They also estimated their systolic and diastolic blood pressure at two-time points, between 16–20 weeks and 24–28 weeks of pregnancy.

Reacting to the study, some maternal health experts who spoke with our correspondent, noted that many makeup and personal care products contain a cocktail of chemicals, some of which have been linked to health problems.

They stated that makeup and other skincare products may contain phenols and parabens, which could be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

The gynaecologists explained that these chemicals had  shown to interfere with hormone function, causing a range of health issues, including high blood pressure.

They stated that while makeup and personal care products may seem harmless, they could contain hidden dangers that might put the health of both the mother and the baby at risk.

A renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Joseph  Akinde warned that pregnant women might face an elevated risk of hypertension due to exposure to certain makeup and personal care products.

The reproductive health expert who is a former Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, explained that some cosmetics and personal care items contain parabens, which are preservatives used to extend shelf life.

He noted that parabens had shown to mimic estrogen, a hormone that naturally rises during pregnancy.

According to him, elevated levels of estrogen could lead to water and salt retention, which may contribute to increased blood pressure.

While noting that high blood pressure during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, Akinde warned that hypertension could lead to severe complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, conditions that significantly threaten the health of both the mother and the baby.

When asked how high blood pressure in a pregnant woman could affect the baby, the reproductive health expert said maternal hypertension could lead to intrauterine growth restriction, where the baby does not grow as expected in the womb.

This condition, he added, could result in premature labour, which increases the risk of complications 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.

The maternal expert, however, urged pregnant women to be cautious when using makeup and personal care products.

In light of these risks, Akinde advised pregnant women to opt for safer alternatives, such as simple creams like coconut oil and Vaseline.

He emphasised the importance of avoiding drugs and chemicals that are not specifically recommended by healthcare providers, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.

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.”

Corroborating his statement, a consultant gynaecologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Daniel Erinoso, noted that many personal care products, including some cosmetics, contain chemicals known as endocrine disruptors.

These substances, he explained, can interfere with the body’s hormonal system.

He said one group of these chemicals, known as parabens, were commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth.

He stated that during pregnancy, estrogen levels naturally increase to support fetal development, but excessive disruption of this balance can lead to complications.

The reproductive expert pointed out that elevated estrogen levels can cause the body to retain more water and salt, which in turn can increase blood pressure.

To minimise these risks, Erinoso recommended that pregnant women avoid products with known endocrine disruptors and opt for safer alternatives.

“It is essential for expectant mothers to be cautious about the personal care products they use.

“Choosing products free from parabens and other harmful chemicals can help reduce the risk of hypertension and other pregnancy-related complications,” he noted.

The expert also stressed the importance of awareness and education among pregnant women about the potential risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy.

He maintained that by taking precautions and making informed choices, expectant mothers can reduce their risk of hypertension and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

He further said, “I understand that many women want to look and feel their best during pregnancy, but they must prioritise their health and safety.

“I will recommend they opt for natural, organic alternatives whenever possible and always read product labels carefully.”

Also speaking, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Kayode Ajenifuja, said chemicals like phenols and parabens, commonly found in makeup and plastic products, can lead to reduced blood flow to the placenta, causing the baby to fail to achieve its growth potential.

Ajenifuja, who is also a gynaecology oncologist warned that these chemicals can also cause inflammation and release reactive oxygen species, damaging the heart’s muscle cells and leading to high blood pressure.

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 asked how high blood pressure can affect a pregnant woman and her newborn, the physician added, “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.”

The fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, however, advised pregnant women to avoid makeup products containing harmful substances and opt for safer alternatives.

He also called on the government to restrict the importation of harmful substances and ensure proper labelling of products.

Meanwhile, the new research’s findings are concerning, as hypertension during pregnancy puts both the expectant mother and the fetus at risk.

While it is linked to reduced blood flow to the placenta, potentially leading to restricted growth, low birth weight, and premature birth in the fetus, it also raises the risk of preeclampsia and stroke in the expectant mother.

“We found chemicals in everyday soaps, lotions, makeup, sunscreen and other personal care products and consumer products that increased risk of hypertension,” study lead researcher Julia Varshavsky said in a news release.

Varshavsky noted that with women using an average of 12 personal care products a day, the findings are particularly concerning.

“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 researchers believe that the rise in blood pressure could be linked to increased inflammation and oxidative stress caused by these chemicals. Additionally, the chemicals may disrupt hormones in the body, which are also involved in regulating blood pressure.

Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that pregnant women be cautious of their personal care products and ensure they use products labelled paraben-free. Around 80 per cent of personal care products use parabens.

“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 said.