Feeling pitiful without a pedicure? Manic without a manicure? Relax — it’s generally considered safe to polish your nails while pregnant (and take advantage of it now, since it’s likely that your nails are growing faster and stronger than ever thanks to pregnancy hormones).
For more about safe manicures and pedicures, including what to look for in a nail polish and which treatments to avoid during pregnancy, read on. Here’s to gorgeous nails for the next nine months!
Is it safe to get a manicure or pedicure during pregnancy?
Yes, it’s generally safe to get manicures and pedicures during pregnancy. That said, nail polish and artificial nails are made up of chemical compounds, but there just isn’t much in the way of research or controlled studies assessing their safety during pregnancy.
Still, it’s unlikely that the risk of problems for you or your unborn baby will increase, since your exposure to these ingredients in nail products is so small. To help you decide which manicure and pedicure options are safe during pregnancy, here’s a breakdown of some common options:
- Nail polish. Some nail polishes may contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to miscarriage and cancer in salon workers and others with high work exposures to the chemical, and toluene, which produces strong fumes that can cause headache and nausea. Phthalates are another concern, as they may harm the endocrine system. Your best bet: Read polish labels and seek out brands that are water-based and non-toxic.
- Acrylics and gels. As for acrylics and gel treatments, their chemicals have not been found to be harmful to you or your baby. However, acrylic nail treatments can give off a strong smell that you may find irritating, and there may be a higher risk of infection with this treatment. It's also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from UV light.
Before you make an appointment to get your nails done in a salon, make sure it’s a well-ventilated one (at the very least, the fumes might make you queasy — or they might be unsafe). Better still, ask if you can get a manicure near an open window or even outside.
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What nail treatments should you avoid during pregnancy?
Along with the above-mentioned chemicals found in various nail polishes and treatments, if you apply acetone to remove nail or toe polish, wash your hands or feet after as this solvent may irritate the skin.
What should you look for in a pregnancy-safe nail polish?
When it comes to pregnancy-safe nail polish, look for colors that are water-based, non-flammable and hypoallergenic. And when considering which treatment to select on a pedicure menu, you can safely choose ones that involve gentle scrubbing and massage, as these can work wonders in the last trimester, soothing sore feet, increasing circulation and reducing swelling.
And if your hormones didn’t get the memo and your nails become weak or brittle, try a clear nail hardener and reapply often (plus make sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet).
How to take care of your nails during pregnancy
Here’s how to care for your nails, hands and feet during pregnancy:
- Nix biting. Give up this bad habit once and for all (your nails and cuticles will thank you).
- Cut nails short. Long fingernails catch on every little thing, so wear yours shorter for now.
- File the right way. For smoother tips and healthier nail beds, direct your nail file in one direction only, rather than sawing back and forth.
- Slather on lotion. Use a rich cream on your hands, feet and cuticles at bedtime.
- Push back cuticles. Cutting cuticles may invite infection, so gently push them back instead.
- Bring your own clippers. Reduce your infection risk by bringing your own nail implements (clippers, file) to the salon.
- Try a DIY treatment. Mix equal parts brown sugar and olive oil, then scoop up a handful and massage your feet and legs.
- Save ingrown nails for the doc. Let a dermatologist deal with this icky, painful mess.
When to call your doctor about nail changes during pregnancy
You should call the doctor if you notice any nail changes during pregnancy that indicate infection, or if you experience pain in your nail beds or cuticles. And if you spot nail discoloration, the detachment of your nail from the finger or you have an ingrown nail, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away.
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