During pregnancy a female is cautioned against various activities. Though you have to take caution in doing certain activities, still there exist some activities that you may do without any worry. Can you get a manicure or pedicure during pregnancy? Read on to know more about the topic so that you may enjoy some pampering without feeling guilty.

Can I Get My Nails Done when Pregnant?

There is not sufficient research regarding the effect of most beauty treatments on pregnancy. Manicures and pedicures are usually considered safe as long as the tools used by your manicurist are sterilized, the materials are not harmful or irritating, and the area is well ventilated. Nail salons usually use strong chemicals which have strong fumes, which you should keep away from when pregnant. If you feel uncomfortable, stop right away; and also avoid long-time exposure in salons.

The risks and concerns

If the tools used are not sterilized properly, the risk of developing nail or skin infections is greatly increased. These infections may develop immediately or may develop many days or weeks after the exposure. The types of infections include:

• Bacterial infections such as paronychia, which begins with redness, swelling or heat surrounding the manicured nails. Treatment includes antibiotics or incising the affected region to drain it.
• Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot in which the nails turn yellow and may become detached from the fingers. Treatment includes topical or oral medicine.
• Viral infections such as plantar warts, from which you get infected at the spa or salon. They appear as calluses and vary in color. They require treatment with topical medicines.

An infection while you are pregnant is concerning because your baby also gets exposed to the infection, which you have acquired.

Phthalate is present in some of the nail polishes. Phthalate has been shown to be associated with defects of brain in fetuses of animals; however, same effects have not been produced in human trials. The reaction produced in fetuses of animals may be proportional to the concentration of fumes of nail polish that was used in the study. Hence, while having a manicure or pedicure during pregnancy, it becomes imperative to go to a salon that has good ventilation. Nail polish fumes may result in nausea and headache in some females who are pregnant. You may also be exposed to toluene while getting a pedicure or manicure during pregnancy. Toluene may cause problems ranging from dizziness to reproductive issues. Certain nail products used during manicure or pedicure also contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Its skin contact and inhalation should be avoided.

Can a manicure or a pedicure initiate labor?

Little evidence exists to prove the fact that acupressure will stimulate labor. However, you should avoid getting the pressure points in your feet and hands stimulated during a treatment session by your technician.

Safety measures to take

Can I get my nails done when pregnant? Yes, you can have your nails done when pregnant, but take the following precautions while having a manicure or pedicure:

• You should make a visit to your salon before scheduling a manicure or pedicure to check on their hygiene practices. Special attention should be paid to bowls and instruments.
• In case you feel skeptical, enquire the salon about their procedures used for cleaning. Tools used for manicure and pedicure such as clippers should be sterilized in autoclave sterilizer. Furthermore, pedicure baths must be sanitized and sticks, buffers and non-metal files must not be reused.
• You can also take your own manicure/pedicure kit to salon so as to decrease the risk of infection.
• Your manicurist/pedicurist must put on new gloves while working on your hands/feet. Ask them to not push back or cut your cuticles as they protect your nail bed from fungus and bacteria.
• You should also take care to go to a certified salon and also check the certification and license of the technician (manicurist/pedicurist).
• Also enquire about ventilation. While getting a treatment sit near a fan or window where there is proper ventilation.
• Various kinds of microorganisms may enter your body via foot bowls. Do go to the salon for pedicures in case you have any bug bites, cuts, scratches or any other open wound present on feet.
• In case you are doing your nails at your house, ensure that you apply nail polish in a room that is well-ventilated to avoid exposure to nail polish fumes.
• Try nail polishes that are nontoxic. Some of the popular brands are Suncoat, Scotch Naturals, and Honeybee Gardens etc.
• Ask the nail technician to not stimulate the pressure points situated in your feet and hands while giving massage during your treatment.
• For females who develop changes of nails while pregnant such as brittle and weak nails, it is best to trim their nails at home and apply a strengthening, clear polish while sitting in a room that is well-ventilated.

Can I get my nails done when pregnant? Manicures done at home prove to be a healthy alternative to manicures done at a salon. At home manicures may be done by a family member, partner or a friend. By giving a home manicure and pedicure to a pregnant female, a partner not only provides a much required service but also makes the female feel more wanted and beautiful.