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Pregnancy

Nail polish and pregnancy

62 replies

anonacfr · 09/09/2010 18:05

This is my third pregnancy so I should know... But am not sure!
I am literally minutes pregnant (about 4 weeks as far as I can tell) and was wondering if it was safe to use nail polish.

I remember reading somewhere that the chemicals weren't great.

Any tips?

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Laska · 09/09/2010 18:11
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Laska · 09/09/2010 18:12

Meant to say - I think you can get phthalate-free nail polish, but I've not checked it out....

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anonacfr · 09/09/2010 19:01

I use OPI nail polish. According to the link you posted it should be fine- they've taken out all the bad chemicals from their products.

I might check out the ingredients extra carefully.

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Tarlia · 09/09/2010 19:07

I think I read the the remover was more of an issue than the polish it's self.

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narmada · 09/09/2010 19:44

HOnestly? You would avoid nail polish??!! It is my guess that you'd come into contact with a million gazillion more potent chemicals at far higher concentrations just in the course of everyday life....

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BonniePrinceBilly · 09/09/2010 19:57

Seriously? In the nicest possible way..Get. A. Grip!

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Laska · 09/09/2010 20:00

There are lots of chemicals which I have no chance of avoiding thus it's my choice to avoid as much crap as I reasonably can, in cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, food etc. - particularly when pregnant Smile

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PrivetDancer · 09/09/2010 20:04

Are you actually being serious??
I think I might just die laughing

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Laska · 09/09/2010 20:05

BonniePrinceBilly My choices. Not imposed on you or anyone else. I haven't suggested anyone do the same.

Fascinating how some people think being hidden on a forum gives them carte blanche to be rude.

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PrivetDancer · 09/09/2010 20:08

I mean, don't drink it. But I think if you're just planning on putting it in your nails you should be ok.

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BonniePrinceBilly · 09/09/2010 20:25

You asked a question, we're answering, whats your problem?

There is no sensible reason why you wouldn't use nail varnish when pregnant, you can also use hair dye, eat chinese food, all kinds of things.
I'd love to know what people imagine is going to happen if you do?

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Laska · 09/09/2010 20:27

No, read back, I didn't ask a question, I provided the OP with a link.

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anonacfr · 09/09/2010 21:13

I'm the one who posted the question.

I admit I'm being totally, ridiculously, completely paranoid (I blame the hormones Grin)but I remember someone freaking me out about nail polish last time I was pregnant.

Thanks for the link Laska!

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Maitri · 10/09/2010 06:22

Such rudeness regarding such a sensible and reasonable question...

This is when mumsnet is a disappointment.

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sedgiebaby · 10/09/2010 07:58

In the EU, the 'nasty' chemicals Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene have not been permitted in polish for some time.

Read on for more information www.alllacqueredup.com/2007/05/big-3-chemicals-that-is.html

I have a lot of polish but avoided it my first tri I was also anxious and took other measures (I didn't have highlights until 4 months and generally moved towards more natural and organic bath things/cosmetics)

I think your question is a perfectly reasonable one and I would still suggest to you that you would paint your nails in a well ventilated area.

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anonacfr · 10/09/2010 08:07

Thanks sedgie! I was also concerned about the first trimester.
There is formaldehyde resin in OPI polishes but none of the other 2. I read DBP was the main concern re unborn babies- I guess that means it should be fine to use?

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sanielle · 10/09/2010 08:11

"Fascinating how some people think being hidden on a forum gives them carte blanche to be rude."

I was thinking just that!

BonniePrinceBilly the OP asked a question, that was answered by several people. Saying,
"Seriously? In the nicest possible way..Get. A. Grip!"

or Privetdancer, "Are you actually being serious??
I think I might just die laughing"

That didn't actually answer the question. Not at all.

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anonacfr · 10/09/2010 08:22

I know. I guess if I'd posted in AIBU I would have expected people to think I was a paranoid idiot, but I didn't expect it here.

Oh well. Still not sure what to do though! Grin

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sedgiebaby · 10/09/2010 08:30

anonacfr if I recall rightly, the formula for OPI sold in Europe is different to the US due to the 'rules', also I think polish with formaldehyde resin, is a by product of formaldehyde and even those with allergies will tolerate it. For me the really nasty one is Toulene from the reading I have done, try to avoid Seche Vite (fast drying top coat)which has it. I'm not so keen on the removers as they tend to get all over your skin and I dont know what is in them but I guess it is, paint thinner at the end of the day, so I limit how much I do my nails.

Polish sold in UK drug stores should be fine.

Another alternative is Minx nails they are non toxic, this will last 5 wks on your toes and are sooooooo fantastic, treat yourself nearer your due date!

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PrivetDancer · 10/09/2010 08:48

I did answer the question once I'd recovered. It is a bit of a silly question IMHO and you seemed to agree too, but I'm sorry if you thought I was rude. I was just a bit incredulous, but you are obviously not the only person who worries about such things! Fwiw I would say the same to someone in real life too, although I wouldn't really need to as the look on my face would say it all.

congrats on your pregnancy :)

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FessaEst · 10/09/2010 08:56

I saw your thread title, and thought, "....is fine if applied by someone else!"

I'm afraid to say that while I was careful in terms of what I did, ate & drank, when DH arranged a pedicure for me I skipped to the salon with no concerns Blush

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sedgiebaby · 10/09/2010 09:03

I can't see how a question about whether to avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals borne out of a desire to protect your unborn little one is silly. Some of the chemicals used until very recently, and still used in other countries, toulene particularly, have established links to birth defects with sufficient exposure. Why the EU banned them.

Is it also silly to go organic or start using natural cleaingin products and take other similar measures erring on the side of caution? It is a personal decision and I don't think mums should criticise each other for raising concerns and questions.

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BonniePrinceBilly · 10/09/2010 09:55

It is very silly. Please explain to me what exactly could happen to a foetus by the mother using nail polish. I'm desperate to find out how you think any possible harm could come about?
It just amazes me that (presumably) sensible sane women throw all logic and reason out the window because they are pregnant. Quite frankly its insulting to us all. And so is the idea that we should never disagree with each other because of some bizarre notion that "mummies" should stick together.
Find something important to worry about.

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hoolabombshell · 10/09/2010 11:35

Apparently the jury is out on whether nail polish, fake tan or hair dye is safe, so until I see a warning on the bottle I am going to use them (in moderation though). I think as long as you don't work in a nail salon with fumes all day it's ok. I believe the nail polish remover is worse for you, but who can be sure - it seems the jury's out on bloody everything.

FFS in ye olde times pregnant women weren't even told to give up smoking, they were even recommended pints of stout for medical reasons. Where is the sense in any of it?

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Laska · 10/09/2010 11:50

If you want the information, google it, it's there for anyone to read about.

If it doesn't bother you, don't avoid it. Pretty simple hey? But coming on here and being rude about other people's choices just makes you appear weirdly bitter and defensive.

If the topic 'insults' you so deeply, I suggest you hide the thread.

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