Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it comes with a heightened awareness of what goes into your body—and that includes your nail care routine. Here at sundays, we believe in providing safe and nurturing options for expectant mothers. Here are some essential tips for pregnancy-safe nail care to ensure you and your baby stay healthy while enjoying well-manicured nails.
This post is similar to our previous post about our nail care tips for busy moms.
This list contains:
- pregnancy
- nail polish
- safety
- pregnancy week by week
- pregnancy tips
- nontoxic
- pregnancy safe
Let’s get to it!
10 Nail Care Tips While Pregnant
From choosing nontoxic nail polishes to listening to your body, here are our 10 nail care tips while you’re pregnant.
1. Choose Nontoxic Nail Polishes
Not all nail polishes are created equal. Many conventional nail polishes contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which have been linked to various health issues, especially concerning during pregnancy. These chemicals can potentially affect both your health and your baby’s development. Opting for nontoxic, pregnancy-safe nail polishes like those offered by sundays can significantly reduce these risks. Our polishes are free from these harmful ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy beautiful nails without compromising your health or that of your baby.
Learn more about the catalog of nontoxic nail polishes sundays offers.
2. Ventilate the Area
When applying or removing nail polish, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area. Proper ventilation is crucial because it helps disperse any fumes that may be emitted from the nail products, reducing the chance of inhaling potentially harmful chemicals. This is especially important during pregnancy, when your sensitivity to smells and chemicals may be heightened. Open windows, use fans, or even consider doing your nails outdoors to ensure you and your baby are breathing fresh air during your nail care routine.
Learn more about improving ventilating in your space.
3. Use Nontoxic Nail Polish Remover
Traditional nail polish removers often contain acetone, a solvent known for its strong odor and harsh, drying effects on nails and skin. Prolonged exposure to acetone can cause dryness, peeling, and brittleness. During pregnancy, it’s important to avoid such harsh chemicals. Opt for a nontoxic, soy-based nail polish remover like sundays’ nontoxic nail polish remover. Our remover gently and effectively removes polish while nourishing your nails with vitamins A, C, and E and grapefruit essential oils. This ensures that your nails remain healthy and hydrated, reducing the risk of damage and promoting overall nail health.
Learn more about our nontoxic nail polish remover.
4. Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry
Maintaining clean and dry nails is essential for preventing infections, which can be more common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Regularly trim your nails to keep them at a manageable length and reduce the chances of dirt and bacteria getting trapped under them. Instead of cutting your cuticles, which can lead to painful infections, gently push them back using a wooden stick. Keeping your hands and nails clean and dry minimizes the risk of fungal infections, ensuring that your nails remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Learn more about how to upkeep your nails from home.
5. Moisturize Regularly
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your skin and nails, often leading to dryness and brittleness. Keeping your nails moisturized is crucial to maintaining their strength and flexibility. Regularly apply cuticle oil and hand cream, preferably those with natural and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. These ingredients help lock in moisture, protect your nails from environmental damage, and keep your skin soft and supple. A consistent moisturizing routine can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your nails.
Learn more about the best methods for keeping skin moisturized.
6. Avoid Nail Extensions
Nail extensions and acrylics, while popular for their aesthetic appeal, involve exposure to additional chemicals and can increase the risk of nail infections. During pregnancy, it’s best to avoid these treatments and focus on natural nail care. The chemicals used in the application and removal of nail extensions can be particularly harsh and may pose unnecessary risks. Instead, embrace your natural nails and focus on keeping them healthy and well-maintained with regular care and nurturing products.
Learn more about the benefits of natural nails over extensions.
7. Be Mindful of Salon Hygiene
If you choose to visit a nail salon during your pregnancy, ensure that the salon follows strict hygiene practices. Infection prevention is paramount, especially during pregnancy when your immune system is slightly compromised. Consider bringing your own tools or confirm that the salon sterilizes its equipment between clients to prevent the spread of infections. A clean and hygienic environment is essential for safe and enjoyable nail care.
Look more into sundays’ salons for hygienic health.
8. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
Healthy nails start from within, and during pregnancy, your body requires additional nutrients to support both you and your baby. Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods high in biotin, such as eggs, nuts, and whole grains, can help strengthen your nails. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet supports overall health and contributes to the strength and resilience of your nails.
Learn more about what foods are best for your nails.
9. Limit Manicure and Pedicure Frequency
While it’s safe to get manicures and pedicures during pregnancy, it’s wise to limit the frequency to reduce exposure to any potential chemicals. Overexposure to even nontoxic products can sometimes cause reactions, so spacing out your appointments is a good precaution. In between professional treatments, enjoy at-home nail care to maintain your nails. This balance ensures you can still pamper yourself without any added risks.
Learn more about how to experience at-home nail care.
10. Listen to Your Body
Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, and it’s important to pay attention to any signals it gives you. If you experience any discomfort or pain or notice changes in your nails, such as discoloration or unusual growth patterns, consult your healthcare provider. These could be signs of underlying issues that need addressing. Being proactive about your health ensures that you and your baby remain safe and healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Learn more about mindfulness.