(HealthDay News) -- Women should be cautious about exposure to any chemicals during pregnancy, even to hair dyes and treatments.

Here are guidelines for pregnant women about the use of these products, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* Try to avoid treatments that straighten, bleach, perm or color hair until the second trimester.
* Make sure that any treatment is applied in a well-ventilated area.
* Don't leave hair chemicals in longer than necessary.
* Make sure your hair and scalp are thoroughly rinsed with water after the treatment.

(HealthDay News) -- Many factors, both physical and emotional, may keep you awake while you're expecting. But it's important to get plenty of quality sleep while you're pregnant.

Here are suggestions to help alleviate insomnia during pregnancy, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* Find a comfortable and -- perhaps a new -- sleep position.
* Relax before bedtime with a massage or a warm bath.
* Keep your room at a cool and comfortable temperature, and play relaxing music or nature sounds.
* Try relaxation techniques before you sleep.

While the majority of pregnancies occur in hospital settings, it is becoming increasingly popular for families to request home births.

With certified nurse-midwives attending more than 306,000 births in 2005, the most recent data available, the American College of Nurse-Midwives strongly supports home births as an alternative for low risk pregnancies.

As the college says, “Every family has a right to experience childbirth within a context that respects cultural variation, human dignity, and self-determination.”