Nail art and flashy manicures and pedicures are totally trending, which means you're probably itching to try out the latest colors and designs on your digits. But can the chemicals in nail polishes and removers have negative effects on your unborn child? Here's what you need to know about saying yes to manis and pedis during a pregnancy.
Fortunately, most experts agree that heading to the nail salon while expecting is perfectly safe. While some polishes and removers do use ingredients that could be considered harmful in large doses, your nail beds aren't going to absorb much of them into your body and it won't have an impact on your baby's health. If you're still concerned, you might want to try brands that don't use chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate.
If you're planning to head to the salon, it's important to make sure that the tools your manicurists and pedicurists are using are clean and sanitary. Most places should be okay if they have a business license, but if you have doubts about the cleanliness of a certain salon, feel free to bring your own instruments. It's also a good idea to make sure that the establishment you choose has well-ventilated rooms or open windows. After all, the smells of strong polishes and removers might make you a bit queasy.
Getting your nails done is a great way to relax and pamper yourself during pregnancy, especially when your belly grows so big that you can't reach your toes to clip or paint your nails! Also, the hand and leg massages that often come along with a manicure or pedicure can help you unwind and relieve swelling and tension – exactly what you need!