Dying to pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure but worried that it could have some reaction? Relax, it’s perfectly ok to colour your nails and indulge yourself to a soothing foot massage when you’re pregnant. Shed all your worries, and head straight to the parlour and treat yourself if you haven’t had a pedicure or manicure since becoming pregnant.

There are a lot of conflicting opinions

It is quite natural that you’ll be extra cautious about every decision when you’re pregnant,. If you’re one of those who’s used to getting manicures and pedicures regularly, you’ll naturally have apprehensions about visiting the parlour. After all, there are so many misconceptions related to this. Some believe inhaling the toxins of the nail colour is not safe for the baby. Then there is a common belief that a foot massage during pedicure could induce contractions.

But there is little truth in all this. There’s little evidence to show that pedicures and manicures can be harmful to the baby or pregnant women.

In fact, a pedicure is an excellent remedy to soothe your tired feet by improving circulation and reduce swelling.

However, there are a few precautions you must take during pregnancy.

Clean salons and clean tools: It goes without saying that the parlour you choose should be clean and hygienic. Make sure that the equipment used is sterilized to avoid the risk of an infection. An infection during pregnancy is greatly avoidable as it could affect the baby too.

In case don’t want to take any chances, you could take your own set of tools; or you could ask the person attending to you to use a fresh set of tools from an unopened pack.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is a key factor you must consider while choosing a salon. Remember there are various other treatments in the process which involves the use of many chemicals. So there is a high risk of chemical exposure. Also some women may be sensitive to the smell given off by the chemicals

Nail Polish Remover: There is a general misconception that the acetone-based removers are harmful for pregnant women. But it’s generally considered safe. However, if you want to play it safe, you can request for non-acetone based remover to be used. If it’s a matter of being sensitive to the remover smell, then you may have to look for a salon using scent-free products.

While trimming nails: Make sure that your cuticles – which protect the nail bed from bacteria and fungus – are not cut or pushed back. When you remove cuticles you increase the risk of cuts and infection, which isn’t a good idea, especially not when you’re pregnant.

Check the chemicals: It’s better to be aware of the chemicals that are being used. Chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde are highly avoidable as they can cause harm when they come in direct contact with the skin. The fruity smell of acetone can make some pregnant women nauseas.

A few other tips:

Try and go to the parlour in the morning half when it is less crowded. This way you can avoid inhaling chemicals from products like bleach, hair dye etc., which are being used by other clients.

Since both procedures involve sitting for long hours, make sure you have enough cushioning so that you don’t strain your back. Also sit in a posture that doesn’t put pressure on your tummy.

You don’t have to necessarily visit the parlour to clean, glossy nails. You can get healthy nails by using natural ingredients.

–  For strong, shiny nails – cut garlic and rub it back and forth on the nails
–  For removing dead cuticles – soak a cotton bud into a small amount of baby oil and rub to remove the dead cuticles

Don’t deprive yourself of looking – and feeling – beautiful during pregnancy. Go ahead, make that appointment with your beautician today and pamper yourself!