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Most pregnant women hear of how the Manicure and Pedicure during pregnancy is considered to cause birth defects in the baby that is in the to-be-mothers womb. But is this actually true?
Feeling pitiful without a manicure and pedicure? Parenthoodbliss is here to inform that avoiding a manicure and pedicure is a rather crazy thing to do during pregnancy, especially when they are growing faster and rather stronger due to the pregnancy hormones. Therefore, we recommend pregnant women to not sit with their bare nails but to get polishing them while there is time, bringing your A-game in pregnancy.
But hold on, do not make appointments just yet. There are a lot of things to keep in mind before you reach the nail salons. Is the nail salon well-ventilated? If not, you must ask the concerned to open the windows out so that the fumes do not make you queasy or affect the baby.
Perhaps, to know more about safe manicures and pedicures or to know what to look for in nail polish, and which treatments must be avoided during pregnancy, you must continue reading this article. We have a lot in store for you to know and safely flaunt your gorgeous nails for the next nine months!
Are Manicure and Pedicure during pregnancy is safe?
As mentioned above, yes! It is completely safe for a pregnant woman to get a manicure or pedicure during pregnancy. However, nail polish or even artificial nails in the nail salon are made up of certain chemical compounds that do not have much research or studies assessing their safety in pregnancy.
Haven said that there could be a risk that could affect either or both you and your baby due to the exposure of the ingredients featured in the nail products.
Perhaps, do not feel disheartened just yet. Here are a few common options to help you decide on the manicure and pedicure during pregnancy is safe:
1) Nail polish
Some nail polishes have chemicals like dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde that are linked to causing a miscarriage and cancer in the salon workers or the others who are exposed to these chemicals. A few might also contain toluene that is responsible to produce strong fumes resulting in headache and nausea. Other than the already mentioned chemicals used in nail polish, phthalates is another chemical that can harm the endocrine system.
For this reason, before you get your manicure and pedicure during pregnancy make sure to quickly read the printed label on the polishes to prevent the mentioned causes and rather look for polishes that are water-based and non-toxic.
2) Acrylics and gels
As per studies, the acrylics and gel treatments are not observed to have any chemicals that are found to cause a harmful effect on either you or the baby. On the other hand, they do contain quite a strong smell that could be irritating and may cause a higher risk of infection. Other than that, it is an option to use gloves to protect the hands from UV light while the treatment is done.
What are the treatments that are to be avoided during pregnancy?
Whilst you are at avoiding the already mentioned chemicals in the above section, you must wash your hands or feet if you apply acetone when removing the nail or toe polish. This is recommended to prevent any irritation on the skin that may be caused due to the solvent.
What to look for when selecting a pregnancy-safe nail polish for a manicure or pedicure?
When you are selecting a nail polish, make sure you look for the ones that are pregnancy-safe and ones that are made from water-based, non-flammable, and hypoallergenic ingredients.
Also, when you are considering the treatment for the manicure and pedicure during Pregnancy, choose one that involves a gentle scrub and massage. This is because a gentle scrub and massage could be quite soothing when you are in the third trimester of your pregnancy. Not only that, but it also helps increase blood circulation and reduces swelling.
Just in case, while you get a manicure you happen to notice that your nails are rather turning weak or brittle, it is safe to get and apply a nail hardener before you reapply more often. The weakening could be a sign of you not getting enough calcium, so you must add a good amount of calcium-containing foods to your diet.
How can pregnant women take care of their nails during pregnancy?
Irrespective of you bring in your first trimester or the second or third, here are a few tips to help you take care of your nails during the course of your pregnancy:
- Quite biting them off
First and foremost, it is a good idea to let go of your growing nails and nix biting them off.
- Keep them short
It is known that long fingernails tend to catch up on every little thing. So, you may want to keep them shorter and cleaner.
- Make it a point to file them
In order to have smoother and healthier nail beds, so use the tools in one direction only and avoid sawing back and forth.
- Use lotion
It is always great to apply lotion on your hands, feet, and cuticles before going to bed. This will help them be well-nourished.
- Keep the cuticles pushed back
Do not cut the cuticles as they may cause infection, rather push them back.
- Carry your own clippers to the nail salon
No, this isn’t absurd. It is a good idea to carry your own anil tools as many times as you visit the salons to reduce the risk of infection.
- Treat your nails at home
It is ok to try out the DIY treatments at home. One such treatment is to mix equal parts of brown sugar and olive oil and massage your feet and legs with it. This will not only help in nourishment but also stimulate blood circulation as it hits a few pressure points.
- Let the doctor take care of the ingrown nails
Avoid working on the ingrown nails by yourself, rather allow the dermatologist to take care of them to avoid any infections.
When to call the health care provider when getting a manicure and pedicure during Pregnancy?
While you are pampering your nails, may sure to contact your doctor if you tend to notice any change like an infection, pain in the nail beds, discoloration in the nails, detachment of the nail from the finger, or have an ingrown nail. In either of the cases, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away.
In Conclusion
There is no fear in getting yourself a little pampering by getting Manicures and Pedicure during pregnancy. However, you must make sure to apply a nail paint that is safe or water-based. Also, if you happen to experience any changes in the nail like discoloration or infection, contact the doctor immediately.
