Celebrities look great. Flat, toned abs and gorgeous facial features. That’s why they are paid so much to appear on the silver screen. Many celebrities also have other ways of making money. Companies pay them to use their products publicly and spread good words about them. This attracts more customers as people are twice as likely to buy products that have been endorsed by a celebrity. Unfortunately, a large number of celebrities are more interested in how much they get paid, rather than if the product actually works or not. The sales of numerous harmful or even dangerous products have been raised because of this.

Celebrities endorsing dangerous pregnancy products is a very harmful form of false advertising. They get paid to only say good things, not the bad. Essentially, they are providing false information by only providing one side of the story. Even after pregnancy, celebrities still look fantastic. They seem to shed off the baby weight in record time, getting their slim pre-baby figure back in mere months. For the rest of us, this takes hard work and dedication.

Countless new moms turn to celebrity endorsed pregnancy products in an attempt to quickly and effortlessly lose the baby weight. A majority of moms, however, don’t research what they are buying. If a celebrity says it’s safe, it must be. Right? With all the stress that comes with having a new baby, many moms don’t have time to properly research the products they are buying. Blindly trusting the word of a public icon takes less thought and effort. Regrettably, the word of many famous stars cannot be trusted, and the pregnancy products they are advertising may be incredibly harmful to a new mother's body. Here are 15 celebrity endorsed pregnancy products that are actually pretty dangerous.

15 Pregnancy Pillows

Pregnancy pillows are specifically designed to ease the aches and pains of sleeping while heavily pregnant. Usually they run along the full length of the body to provide support, but there are others that are specifically designed to support the back or tummy. Singer Rochelle Humes claimed that her pregnancy pillow helped her get to sleep at night when it felt like her stomach contained an entire football team. Funnily enough, she also tweeted that she got stuck in hers, and couldn’t roll over!

Thankfully, the use of pregnancy pillows themselves isn’t dangerous, so don’t worry moms! It’s the chemicals that some manufacturers use when creating pillows that has cause for potential harm. Developing babies in the womb are extremely vulnerable to harmful chemicals, Though usually mom’s body acts as a protective barrier, sleeping with and breathing in dangerous chemicals from pillows every night may do some damage. There are tons of companies who advertise non-toxic pregnancy pillows, so make sure to watch for that when choosing what to buy.

14 Sea Band Wristbands

Sea band wristbands are acupressure wristbands that are supposed to relieve motion sickness, morning sickness, and general nausea. Celebrity Gwen Stefani has vouched for the wristband, claiming that they helped relive her morning sickness. There are many stories of women who have found success with sea bands, and the product has been FDA approved. However, studies have shown that the acupressure band only works due to the placebo effect.

The mind has more control over the body than many people think. The placebo effect happens when a person takes or uses something, such a medicine, that is supposed to heal any ill effects. In the case of the placebo effect, the medicine turns out to be a sugar pill. In other words, the medicine actually has no effect on the body whatsoever. The person usually doesn’t know this, and believes the medicine will help. Because their brain believes they will get better, they do. Even though the medicine didn’t do anything.

This same concept applies to acupressure wristbands. The wearer believes that the wristband will cure their nausea, therefore their condition improves solely because their brain believes it. There is no scientific evidence proving that the wrist has anything to do with how the brain experiences nausea. The wristbands may actually be harmful to people who are prone to blood clotting, have thin blood, or anemia, as the constant pressure on the wrist may cause problems in the area. Midwifes will generally not recommend these wristbands for mothers to be.

13 Bio Oil

Bio oil is one of the most popular anti-stretch mark products on the market. Tons of celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, Kelly Brook, and Denise Van Outen used bio oil, all of whom claim that it works as advertised. However, a study that broke down the ingredients in bio oil concluded that the product is about as run-of-the-mill as they come, and that it may contain harmful fragrances that could aggravate morning sickness.

Bio Oil is extremely overpriced for what it really is. To break it down, the oil is made up of 29 ingredients. Four of them are plant extracts with that have not been proven to improve scar tissue. Two of them are vitamins that can be found in almost every single cosmetic product on the market. One of them is a mineral oil that is extremely similar to baby oil. And the rest? Slip agents, dyes, fragrances and fillers.

Certain dyes can be harmful to the skin, occasionally causing rashes or even allergic reactions. The fragrances contained in bio oil can potentially set off a bout of morning sickness, depending on what stage of pregnancy a mother is in, and what affects her. Bio oil also takes a while to absorb into the skin, meaning that it can ruin certain items of clothing if not given enough time to set. Essentially, bio oil is overpriced and overhyped scented baby oil.

12 Neocell Beauty Bursts

Everybody who keeps up to date with celebrity gossip probably remembers that time Miley Cyrus landed herself in the hospital due to a bad reaction caused by antibiotics. When she was released, she went on a crazy self-improvement vitamin binge. One of which was Neocell Beauty Bursts. While these little chewable vitamins are generally recommended for women who are pregnant, it’s not necessary to be carrying a child to reap the benefits.

Neocell Beauty Bursts are essentially chewable collagen bites, advertised to keep skin glowing and healthy. Two main ingredients are collagen and hyaluronic acid. Neither of these things pose a threat to the average healthy adult, however it should be remembered that everything consumed by mom also goes to baby. Exposing a developing fetus to chemicals like collagen can be very harmful, and in some extreme cases may cause developmental delay. These little chewables may be okay in small amounts, they should not be taken in the early stages of pregnancy, and should not be taken in excess.

11 Postpartum Belly Wraps

Postpartum belly wraps, or waist clinchers, are incredibly popular in the world of new mothers. The most common Belly Bandit claims that it will flatten abs back to pre-baby figure in a short amount of time. Many celebrities such as Ashlee Simpson and Kourtney Kardashian (who created her own designer belly bandit) swear by their results. The wild claims made by companies manufacturing belly wraps are actually true. Their belly wraps will help women get their figure back. Unfortunately, the method in which a pre-baby figure is achieved with waist clinchers is actually quite harmful to the body. Though it will help women to look great, the possible dangerous side effects may not be worth it.

Many obstetricians in the U.S. say that women are risking weakened back muscles and digestion problems when using belly wraps. During the whole process of pregnancy, the uterus and abdominal wall has been stretched. This will return back to normal on its own, and speeding up the process with a belly wrap is unnecessary and in some cases harmful. A postpartum waist clincher will not help lose baby fat. Instead of losing the weight, it compresses it inwards in an unhealthy manner. Much like corsets, this can lead to internal organs being compressed or sometimes even moved.

10 Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is advertised to have anti-aging properties on not only skin but also the digestive system. Kate Middleton claimed that Rosehip oil kept her skin looking young and beautiful during her pregnancy. While it may work well for cosmetic reasons, rosehip oil can have harmful effects on the body. Unfortunately, there are many cases in which rosehip oil did the exact opposite of what it advertised. Instead of helping the digestive system, many stories of women experiencing gastrointestinal distress came in. Everything ranging from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have all been reported.

If, for some reason, rosehip oil is accidentally ingested, it can increase estrogen levels in the body. For pregnant women whose estrogen levels are already higher than normal, this can cause negative side effects such as insomnia, headaches, cramps and fatigue. Accidentally ingesting rosehip oil can also have a negative impact on an unborn child. Rosehip oil contains trans-retinoic acids, which have been shown to cause problems in unborn children and infants.

9 Fetal Doppler

A fetal doppler is a monitor that uses the doppler effect to provide an audible simulation of an unborn baby’s heartbeat. Chelsea Houska tweeted that she detected her baby’s heartbeat for the first time with a fetal doppler, saying that she never wanted the sound to end. Fetal dopplers are nice as mothers can listen to their baby’s’ heartbeats at home whenever they want to, however the continuous or frequent use of these machines may cause brain damage.

Fetal dopplers use waves to detect sound. When used to excess, such waves can be harmful even to adults. Constantly bombarding a growing fetus with potentially harmful waves can cause brain damage and developmental complications. Studies done by the FDA have proven that, much like ultrasounds, fetal dopplers raise the internal temperature of the mother’s womb, which can also lead to developmental issues.

Untrained people may have a hard time distinguishing their baby’s heartbeat from other internal sounds. This can cause a delay in necessary medical attention. Mothers may believe they hear their baby’s’ heartbeats, and reassure themselves everything is fine. However, this may not be the case. If a mother needs reassurance that her baby is healthy, she should speak with her doctor, and not falsely reassure herself with a fetal doppler. Fetal dopplers are okay to use in moderation, but they should be used for fun only, not medical reassurance.

8 Prenatal Vitamins

When a woman becomes pregnant, vitamins such as iron, calcium, and folic acid are essential for the healthy development of a fetus. Jessica Alba claimed that she took prenatal vitamins, even when she wasn’t pregnant, as they kept her hair and nails looking gorgeous. A diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unprocessed foods, lentils, and of course, lots of water, is perfectly sufficient in supplying necessary vitamins to an unborn child. The other option of choosing synthetic supplements is less recommended, and in some cases can even be harmful to the child.

Synthetic prenatal supplements contain a much higher dose of nutrients in a concentrated form. When taken in improper amounts, it can have serious negative side effects to the developing fetus. It is entirely possible to overdose a child on vitamin supplements. Luckily, this is something that doesn’t need to be worried about when sticking to a well balanced diet. If taking prenatal supplements is a must, it’s extremely important to speak with a doctor about recommended dosage.

7 Arnica Cream

For centuries, arnica cream has been used to relieve muscle pain and soreness. It’s common among athletes and people who do a lot of physical labor. Arnica cream is made from an extract of the arnica plant, and has been around since the 1500s. Monica Bellucci claimed that the cream soothed her aching muscles while she was pregnant. It is true that Arnica cream can help ease muscle pain, but it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

In extreme cases, Arnica cream can stimulate the uterus and cause spontaneous miscarriage or premature delivery. These cases usually only happen if arnica cream is accidentally ingested, but it can also happen when it comes in contact with an open wound. It is possible for arnica cream to be passed along into breast milk without it being ingested. Unfortunately, no studies have been done on the effects it may have on newborns, so it’s best to stick to the safe side and not use it.

6 Bee Yummy Skin Food

Stylist Marina Munoz claims that she is addicted to this cream, even going so far as to use it as diaper rash cream for her son’s eczema. Bee yummy skin food is advertised as being raw, organic, and even edible. However, just like every other type of cream or lotion, it contains preservatives and emulsifiers that haven’t been proven to be safe while pregnant.

Preservatives such as phthalates and parabens have been believed to be carcinogenic and therefore unsafe for children. Bee Yummy Skin Food contains a Vitamin-A derivative, Retin-A, which also hasn’t been proven safe while pregnant. Many of the studies done on Retin-A and specific preservatives have been inconclusive, but certain European countries have actually banned the use of these ingredients in their products. While it is not scientifically proven that Bee Yummy Skin Food and similar creams are harmful to unborn children, it’s best to keep it on the safe side.

5 Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Co founder of Guest of a Guest, Rachelle Hruska, claimed that she’s used Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser her whole life, but that it was especially great while she was pregnant because it’s so gentle on the skin. Most Cetaphil skin products are absorbed by the skin upon contact. As a general rule of thumb, pregnant women should be cautious about anything they put into their bodies. Whatever goes in could have negative impacts on their unborn child.

Most skincare products are safe for pregnant women, but experts advise against specific ingredients such as Retinoids, Hydroquinone, and Salicylic acid. A majority of Cetaphil products contain at least one of these ingredients. Generally, they are still safe to use in moderation. No more than 10% of skin should be covered in these creams. For people who are adamant lovers of Cetaphil products, they offer a line of more natural, baby-safe lotions and creams.

4 Bundle Prenatal Juice

Bundle Organics advertises organic juices and teas that provide vitamin supplements for prenatal moms. Co founder of La Marque, Meredith Melling, said that she learned about Bundle Prenatal juice from her friend Rachel Blumenthal. She went on to say that the juices and teas ensured that her baby was getting all the necessary nutrients. Unfortunately, much like prenatal vitamins, it’s possible to overdose on nutrients, which can have detrimental effects on an unborn child.

Bundle Prenatal Juice contains high amounts of Calcium, Omega 3, Vitamin D, and Iron. All of these are necessary for the healthy development of a growing fetus, however because these come in the form of a drink, it’s very easy to accidentally overdose. As mentioned before, overdosing a child on vitamins can cause developmental complications and, in extreme cases, brain damage. Because it’s so easy to drink a few bottles in short amounts of time, Bundle Prenatal Juice is not recommended. Only use these products in moderation, and watch intake amounts to prevent overdosage of vitamins.

3 Basq Energizing Body Lotion

While pregnant with her second child, Christy Turlington turned to Basq Energizing Body Lotion to soothe her aches and pains. Basq products advertise a completely pregnancy and baby safe line of various lotions, creams, exfoliators, and moisturizers. They use all natural ingredients and many plant extracts to provide a luxurious, baby safe line of products. Many of their products are meant for brightening and rejuvenating prenatal and postpartum skin.

Their products are true to their word. They are baby safe and use natural ingredients. However, much like Arnica cream, they use plant extracts that, when ingested or exposed to an open wound, can stimulate the uterus and cause spontaneous miscarriage or early delivery. Luckily, reports of these cases are almost nonexistent, as they are few and infrequent. When used cautiously, Basq products are safe and healthy for both pregnant moms and their babies. Just be careful to avoid accidental ingestion and exposure to open wounds.

2 Body Restructuring Gel

Body restructuring gel is supposedly the only product on the market formulated specifically for the postpartum period of pregnancy. It addresses the main cosmetic side effect of pregnancy- loose, unappealing skin. It claims to firm skin back up and remodel body contours, and Gwyneth Paltrow stands by this claim. It’s advertised to not contain any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or triclosan.

Thankfully, body restructuring gel really doesn’t contain any of these harmful ingredients. However, the ingredient list does include Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Hydroxide, and Citric Acid. Although it’s claimed to be safe for women who are breastfeeding, there’s always a possibility of a product being transferred to breast milk.Young infants who have not been exposed to such harsh chemicals may suffer from digestive complications. Like many other items on this list, either stick to the safe side and don’t use the product at all, or only use it in moderation.

1 Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter

Milla Jovovich is a fan of Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter, which is supposed to prevent stretch marks by keeping the skin elastic and stop any itchiness. It is also supposed to help return skin back to its original shape after birth faster than normal. It’s recommended use it twice a day in any area prone to stretch marks. It hydrates skin for a more comfortable pregnancy.

Unfortunately, this product’s main ingredient is a plant extract that can be harmful if accidentally ingested. Like many other creams on this list, if accidentally ingested it could stimulate the uterus, leading to terrible effects. Some other harmful ingredients include Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. These ingredients have not been proven to be safe while pregnant. Since this product is absorbed through the skin, often times directly through the belly and surrounding areas, it has a better chance of causing negative effects to baby.

Sources: FitPregnancy.com, BirchBox.com, Livestrong.com, MadeForMums.com, MotherAndBaby.co.uk, AmericanPregnancy.org