Can You Get Your Nails Done During Pregnancy?

If you’re a sucker for a good mani-pedi and and often rush to the salon to get one of these, you may wonder about their safety when you’re pregnancy. After all, the chemicals found in nail grooming products aren’t exactly organic. But the truth is that your nail bed absorbs only a negligible amount of these chemicals and they cannot effectively hinder foetal health. In fact, getting a manicure and pedicure might just serve as an instant pick-me-up on days when you aren’t feeling that great.

With that said, while this process is considered safe, you’ll still need to follow some safety measures to ensure both your and your baby’s well-being. We take a deeper look into the safety factors and share practical tips for a safe mani-pedi during pregnancy. 

Is It Safe To Get A Mani-Pedi During Pregnancy?

Yes, both manicure and pedicure are safe to get when you are expecting. There’s absolutely no need to give up on these pampering beauty activities. In fact, getting your nails and toes done can relieve stress, reduce swelling, and also improve blood circulation. However, you do need to ensure that you are visiting a hygienic salon. Make sure that the nail tools and products are cleaned and sterilised thoroughly before use to prevent the contraction of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

Does Pedicure Really Induce Labour?

Some people believe that pedicures can induce labour. A pedicure involves massaging certain areas in the feet and is considered similar to a process called reflexology— massaging pressure points in the feet, and ankles that trigger contractions and induce labour. However, there is no research to support this claim. Even though this statement is just a myth, you can tell the pedicurist to avoid massaging the points near the ankles and the feet, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

6 Tips For A Safe Mani-Pedi During Pregnancy

If possible, try to get your mani-pedi sesh at home. This will help you avoid the chemical stench that lingers in nail salons. However, you can still opt to get your nails done at a salon. Just make sure to follow certain safety measures as mentioned below.

• Know what is being used: Salons use different types of chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetone, and toluene. These chemicals can cause harmful reactions after coming in direct contact with your skin. Inform the manicurist or the pedicurist that you are pregnant so they are careful while using these chemicals.
• Get your mani-pedi done in a well-ventilated area: Chemicals from the nail grooming items can get mixed in the air and lead you to feel nauseous. This can ruin your much-needed pampering session. Make sure to sit in an open space to help let out chemical fumes from the room. Before visiting, check if the salon has proper ventilation and open windows.
• Make sure to check the health inspection of the salon: These records will be easily available on the internet. Do some research or ask your neighbours or friends about the cleanliness measures implemented at the place. 
• Avoid drinking or eating anything at the salon: This way, you can prevent ingesting any harmful chemicals that get into your fingers or nails.
• Do not get a mani-pedi if you have a wound or cut: Open cuts and wounds in your hands and feet can increase the risk of chemical absorption into the body and cause infections.
• Try to get your own mani-pedi set: Bringing your own mani-pedi set will decrease the risk of contracting an infection. Also, choose a session in the morning, as the salon will be freshly cleaned at that time of the day. 

Simple DIY Mani-Pedi Tricks To Try At Home

If you are still doubtful about visiting a salon and want to eliminate all risks associated with salon treatments, you can follow some simple mani-pedi tricks at home. You just need the right nail grooming tools to pamper your hands and feet at home. Follow these simple steps:

• Mix equal portions of brown sugar and olive oil.
• Take a handful of it and massage it on your finger and toenails.
• Soak your nails in a bathtub containing lukewarm water and put a few drops of body wash.
• Remove from the water and pat dry your finger and toenails.
• Apply a cuticle softener cream and massage your nails.
• Clip and file your finger and toenails to the desired shape. Massage with a lotion and wipe each nail dry.
• Polish them with your favourite nail colour and you are done!

Do not hesitate to get a manicure or pedicure during pregnancy as your body requires these pampering sessions to cope with all the changes it is undergoing. Just remember to maintain certain safety precautions and avoid chemically-loaded products to prevent any unwanted complications; and if you can, get the mani-pedi done in the comfort of your home.