Silly question: gel toenails and ELCS?

[BallroomWithNoBalls]

I have gel toenails at the moment and want to get them redone. I am 34 weeks and can't reach to polish them myself so it's a lovely treat for the summer when I'm the size of a small elephant.

I am having a section at 39 weeks due to breech - I seem to remember something about that you're not meant to have polish on fingers or toes in case they have to put clips on your nails to monitor blood flow? Or is that bollocks?

Thanks

[mrsmeerkat]

No polish I'm afraid and definitely no gel Polish.

[Bigbadgeorge]

Really? I'm due ELCS in under two weeks and have them

[Hobby2014]

I had acrylic false nails for my section (part elective from induction doing nothing and me giving up!). They asked me to remove my nail polish, I said I couldn't, so instead I had to take it off my toes (which were just painted). I think if you have nothing on your fingers, it's ok. If both are covered then not ok. I wanted to have nice hands, feet would be in slippers. So I would get it taken off toes and have nice fingers instead.

[2015isgoingtobeBIG]

Toes should be fine as long as your fingers are free of all polish. As someone else said, it is so they can measure your oxygen levels and they'd rather do that from your finger so the lead is out of the way from the surgeon working down the other wat

[VivaLeBeaver]

It'll be fine. Consultant anaesthetist at work says gels and acrylic nails don't affect SATS readings and the research backs that up.

Nail polish should be removed on fingers.

[MissTwister]

I've wondered about this as have heard it before, however I had 2 minor procedures with anaesthetic and fingertip monitoring and they didn't bat an eyelid at my painted nails (not gels). I don't see how this could possibly thwart the machine anyway.

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

Emcs in September and the lot had to come off. The midwife was scrubbing away whilst I was on the trolley!

[BallroomWithNoBalls]

Thanks folks! I will keep my beloved gel toes but keep my fingers polish free. ??

[comeagainforbigfudge]

They could always use an ear probe......

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

Can you check with the midwife? Mine had to come off and it was only 7 months ago. Perhaps each hospital has a different rule as it seems there's some variation on this thread.

[blacktreaclecat]

I think toenails should be ok as long as your fingernails are clear of it.
I had gel toenails when I had my CS and the only mention of it was when one of the mws admired the colour :)

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

I got a massive bollocking for my toenails! Even though I didn't know I was going in for an emcs at 35 weeks, or expecting a section at all. I'd just check, it's better to clean it off now if needed than on the day

[BallroomWithNoBalls]

I feel a bit vain calling them up and checking

[crazycatlady82]

Get the gel nails and play dumb

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

I thought you might have an appointment between now and then rather than calling?

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

Me again - you could try your hospital's website, mine has a page on c section preparation

[Alwaysinahurrynow]

Again made to remove nail varnish for emcs - spent three days on ward with blue toes until I got home and DH could clean them up

[Helloall1]

Hi, I recently got rushed to hospital and had both my hands and feet painted with purple varnish. No one asked me to remove it at any point and I had the finger monitor on about a million times during my four night stay and it gave fine readings each time. Only one HCA suggested she might not get a reading due to my nails but then said "oh it's worked fine!"

I guess my situation was different as unplanned, but I just wanted to let you know at no point did it interfere with readings, but when I had my section four years ago, my bare nails went bright purple and I can see how this was a good indication for the staff


Good luck with everything x

[Tranquilitybaby]

If you are asked to remove it, you may get away with just peeling off one toenail. My hospital leaflet specifically said no polish though.

[Willow33]

I asked the consultants this v question two weeks ago for same reason as you. Both said no to varnish on feet or hands.

[NurseP]

I think it's down to hygiene as well as sats readings. Best to check or avoid. X