Manicure Pedicure Pregnancy

The Babble Staff

Is it safe to get your nails done while you're pregnant? There's no solid research, but most experts say not to worry as long as the salon is well ventilated. Alexandra Zissu, author of The Complete Organic Pregnancy begs to differ; she says phtalates (found in nail polish) have been shown to cause disorders of sexual maturation in girls and birth defects in boys, so why take chances? Others caution women who are worried about the (admittedly small) risk of infection from improperly cleaned instruments to bring their own manicure sets to the salon. One owner of a salon catering specifically to pregnant women says manicures and pedicures are fine if the most toxic fumes are avoided, but advises women to stay clear of inexpert foot and leg massages to avoid the risk of blood clots.

On days when you feel like a blob, a manicure or pedicure can be just the thing. Having polished nails can make you look "put together" when you feel anything but. But is nail polish safe? Over the past few years, dibutyl phthalates or DBPs have been suspected of causing birth defects in animal studies. DBPs, which help to keep plastics pliable, are present in many household items including nail polish. However, DBPs are not absorbed through the nail. Until more is known, it is sensible to polish your nails in a well-ventilated area, and not to chew on them! So if you want a manicure or pedicure, go ahead! Your body is accomplishing a great feat and deserves to be pampered!

"Pedicures in Pregnancy; Precautions Make It Enjoyable for You, and Safe for Baby"

According to Dawn Bierschwal, owner of Becoming Mom Pregnancy Spa and Imaging Center in Mason , Ohio , [manicures and pedicures] are absolutely safe — as long as you use common sense and take a few precautions.

So what should a mom-to-be watch out for when choosing a spa or salon for her pregnancy pedicure? Start with reflexology.

Reflexology is the art of applying pressure (or strokes) to certain areas of the feet to relieve pain, discomfort, or problems in other parts of the body. Pressure points located in the ankles are connected to the reproductive organs, and one point specifically relates to the uterus. If rubbed in the correct way by a professional, this spot can trigger contractions. But if this is done too early it can bring on preterm labor. Bierschwal advises expectant moms to "go to someone who is trained in what points to avoid." It is unlikely that an amateur can trigger this response by accident, but to just to be safe, have your own personal masseuse (hubby, mom, best friend, etc.) avoid your ankles when rubbing your feet.

But if you've ever had a pedicure before, you know that the massage doesn't just concentrate on your feet — it goes all the way up to your knees. This is a wonderful way to relieve the pain and pressure you are feeling due to carrying all that extra weight. But this can also be dangerous if you have a blood clot. Recent studies suggest that a woman's overall risk for blood clots during pregnancy is six times greater than in non-pregnant women. This risk continues into the first few months postpartum as well.

Another concern that comes with pedicures is fumes. Many nail products contain formaldehyde and toluene, which in small doses can cause moms to feel dizzy or nauseous, but in large repeated exposures have been linked to birth defects. There are many polishes and products available which are both formaldehyde and toluene free. Ensure that either your salon or room where you paint your nails is well-ventilated or that you wear a mask to defuse the fumes.

"Make sure you know your salon sterilizes their equipment," Bierschwal adds. This includes the instruments and the tubs which, if not sterilized, can cause infections. You can also bring your own manicure kit to the salon to prevent exposure.

So to answer the important question, yes, pedicures can be a safe way to pamper yourself during pregnancy. Taking these precautions and knowing what to ask when searching for a salon or spa can make the? experience more enjoyable for you, and safer for baby.

It's not like anyone has done a randomized controlled trial on getting your nails done when pregnant, so there's nothing known about whether it's harmful. But when you go and sit and have someone do your nails, your exposure to any potentially dangerous chemicals is pretty minimal. And many women who do nails keep doing the job while pregnant. The long and short of it is, who knows? But we have no evidence that it isn't okay.

Expert: Kay Daniels, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Although there's no real scientific evidence of harm, there could be a theoretical risk because a lot of nail products contain organic solvents, like toluene in nail polish or the acetone in polish remover, and there are some questions about whether organic solvents may cause problems in people who work with them all day. So I would tend to err on the conservative side and tell people to avoid nail salons during the first trimester, when the fetus is most vulnerable.

Many pregnant women find that their nails tend to grow more quickly, producing a need to groom them more often. What once was a three or four times a year task now becomes a once-a-month visit . . . Visit any manicurist and you will see the finest collection of chemicals, from nail polish and removers to oils, paints and skin treatments, all believed to be safe. But according to a recent report from the Food and Drug Administration, research indicates that chemicals in nail polish, nail polish removers and the like, namely methyl methacrylate and acetonitrile (a chemical that breaks down into cyanide when swallowed), are in fact dangerous and can cause numerous health problems including skin irritation, contact dermatitis, rashes, poisoning and even death. These facts alone cause a concern and fear of manicures . . . It is best to ask your manicurist or request she/he use natural products. And if you're not sure, simply skip the nail polish and have your nails buffed for a natural shine."

I haven't had a pedicure in years. This isn't a happy thing; in my pre-organic life, I was addicted to blood-red toes (Essie's Bordeaux to be specific). But when researching "The Complete Organic Pregnancy," I found out that nail polish contains a number of chemicals to be avoided when pregnant, including phthalates, a toxic petroleum derivative that has been associated with disorders of sexual maturation in girls and birth defects in boys. They make nail polish both flexible and chip resistant. Certain phthalates are banned in Europe but not here. I was beside myself but gave up the polish. Mani/pedi salons loomed on seemingly every corner (why are there so many?!), teasing me. I felt naked, like the only female on earth with bare toes. No one else on the subway, in the waiting room at the OB 's office, or in yoga class had bare nails. Do you? And how cruel it felt to have to forgo an affordable indulgence (and a leg rub!) when pregnant.