Laser Hair Removal and Pregnancy – What Do You Need to Know?

Updated on: 1st June, 2023

Many pregnant women experience changes in their hair growth patterns, including increased hair growth in unwanted areas such as the face, abdomen, and breasts. While it is common, it can still be frustrating and uncomfortable to deal with.

Don’t worry! Laser hair removal is a popular method of getting rid of unwanted hair. While many women seek to maintain smooth, hair-free skin with laser hair removal during pregnancy, the safety of laser hair removal is a subject of debate.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful and exciting time for some, but it can also bring some unwanted changes to a woman’s body. Unwanted hair growth during pregnancy can be attributed to the changes in hormone levels in a woman’s body. The increase in hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can cause hair to remain in the growth phase for longer, leading to increased hair growth in various body areas. This hormonal change can also cause hair to become darker and thicker, leading to more noticeable and unwanted hair growth. 

Laser hair removal is an effective way to remove unwanted hair, but most women ask if laser hair removal is safe in pregnancy. It is generally recommended to avoid laser hair removal during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when the foetus is most vulnerable to outside factors. 

While there is limited information about the effects of laser hair removal on a developing foetus, there have been no conclusive reports or findings to suggest that the treatment is dangerous to a baby’s health. Due to the lack of definitive research regarding whether pregnancy undo laser hair removal or if it is safe, most doctors recommend avoiding laser hair removal during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. Here are the reasons why doctors do not recommend laser hair removal during pregnancy:

• Laser hair removal can be painful, and some dermatologists use numbing cream to reduce discomfort. However, since the skin can absorb these creams, they may not be safe during pregnancy.
• Pregnancy can cause significant hormonal changes in the body, making the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation, redness, or discomfort. This increased sensitivity can make laser hair removal more uncomfortable and may increase the risk of adverse effects from the treatment. 
• Limited research on the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy makes it difficult to fully assess the procedure’s risks and benefits.

For these reasons, it’s generally recommended to avoid laser hair removal during pregnancy and to wait until after delivery to resume treatments. If you are considering laser hair removal and are pregnant or planning to start a family, it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor to make an informed decision.