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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

To have this first world problem?

203 replies

Happyandhungry · 27/02/2017 20:12

So my first baby is due in a few weeks. I am about to book in for a pre birth hollywood wax Shock but i also planned on having a pedicure and manicure just to feel nice. Everyone is saying ooh no i wouldn't in case you need an emergency c-section! They'll literally stand over you and make you take all the nail polish off before theatre?! Is that true?! I planned on having shellac on fingers and toes which i couldn't get off even if they stood over me so what should i do? I am not hugely vain etc i just wanted to feel nice before going through child birth. AIBU?

OP posts:
wickerlampshade · 27/02/2017 20:15

Yes if you need a sats monitor then one nail will have to be cleaned of polish.

Samatamfabahaba · 27/02/2017 20:15

Do they?! God I didn't know that!!

(No help whatsoever there, sorry)

SallyGinnamon · 27/02/2017 20:18

Yes. No nail varnish would be a nightmare to get gels off.

SwimmingMom · 27/02/2017 20:19

I did have a manicure & pedicure a week before the birth. No shellac, just nice nail polish. Looked lovely for all the sleepless nights & newborn photos! Never considered a Hollywood though I got arms & legs waxed. Grin

IamFriedSpam · 27/02/2017 20:19

Sorry I don't know the answer just giggling because that truly is the most first world problem ever! Why not just get the manicure anyway though - if it makes you feel nice and if you have to take some of it off for a c-section at least you'll have walked in feeling great!

Patriciathestripper1 · 27/02/2017 20:19

Have the shellac but leave it off the pointy finger incase you need the monitor?

44PumpLane · 27/02/2017 20:20

No nail varnish - they need to be able to see how your nail pinks up after being pinched. Helps them know something about you blood pressure or something (highly scientific I know)!

Patriciathestripper1 · 27/02/2017 20:20

Shock people wax their arms?

ReginaGeorgeinSheepsClothing · 27/02/2017 20:20

Maybe just get basic polish rather than shellac?

Grumpbum · 27/02/2017 20:21

Yes have shellac but leave one finger free

ChocolateButton15 · 27/02/2017 20:21

I had a crash c section and no one cared I had nail varnish on. Would they even have nail varnish remover available?! They would tell you in advance if it was that important surely

BrillianaHarvey · 27/02/2017 20:21

I did exactly the same as you (though normal varnish not gels) and had to have an emergency Caesarean and no one gave a monkey's about my nails.
I was very glad to be able to tick one personal grooming box in the horror of catheters, NHS nightwear, and suppurating dressings that was to come.

DrivingMeBonkers · 27/02/2017 20:22

Urban myth, I've had an emergency c/section and I did no have to remove any nail polish.

TheSnowFairy · 27/02/2017 20:22

Even if not an emergency, if you have a c section you will have to remove the varnish.

Can someone come in to do it after you've had the baby?

JoMalones · 27/02/2017 20:23

I had an ELCS. Acrylic nails, shellac on toes and all fine! They said if needed they can use the trace on your ear lobe.

GirlElephant · 27/02/2017 20:24

My pre-natal classes at my hospital said no gel nails for this reason. I had to get an EMCS and was pretty shocked so wouldn't have noticed them removing nail varnish in the theatre. However all my pictures showing my hands show a perfect manicure so they didn't remove any of my nail varnish.

Definitely got a nice mani-pedi as a treat but make it varnish. Post baby you'll be far too busy having baby cuddles to care about your nails but it's nice to be presentable

DrivingMeBonkers · 27/02/2017 20:25

How many times have you seen nurses running around A&E with bottle of nail polish remover when they unload the ambulance? They don't.

FlyingFordAnglia · 27/02/2017 20:25

My friend's a midwife and I asked her if shellac would be an issue before I gave birth. She said a finger is the best way to monitor stats but if they couldn't use it because of shellac they would just do it another way.

FallenSkies · 27/02/2017 20:25

I had an emergency caesarian and they removed the nail varnish on one finger before I went it as they said they needed to see the nail

wonkylegs · 27/02/2017 20:26

Depends on the hospital some are sticklers for removing it others less so
It's easier not to have it but not the end of the world if you do - some will remove it for you, some will work round it.
My hospital asked that you didn't wear it.

reup · 27/02/2017 20:27

I think the no nail varnish is in case you need a general anaesthetic. My friend had to take hers off before going under a few weeks ago for a small op. It's unlikely you would need one though.

pianomadness · 27/02/2017 20:27

If you need your blood oxygen levels monitored the usual way is via the finger nail (without varnish). However you can use toenails or ear lobes and nurses often do if the hands are cold which affects the reading.

Happinessisthis · 27/02/2017 20:28

Nope I had emergency c section under general and a planned section under local. False, painted nails both times with no problems. Go for it

Wadafuq · 27/02/2017 20:51

Nail varnish (and gel/shellac) sticks to the bottom of the pool and is a complete pain in the arse to try and scrub off.

MsJudgemental · 27/02/2017 20:54
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