Nail polish and pregnancy

[anonacfr]

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?

[katebakes]

I don't think this is a silly question at all and one I pondered. The reason that people many choose not use nail varnish during pregnancy is because some brands contain formaldehyde and other chemical nasties that have been linked with miscarriage and foetal developmental problems. Of course this research is based on pregnant mouse consumption of really high concentrations so may not be totally relevant to us! I doubt they merely paint the paw nails of the test mice...

Other more practical advice is to avoid nail salons because inhaling the toxins may be bad for pregnant women or may simply make them feel unwell. I was also careful to avoid nail salons as I wanted to make sure sure all my equipment was sterilised prior to use.

I completely avoided all nail varnish until 15 weeks then had a manicure and pedicure in the USA. I've continued to have manicures at reputable salons and really enjoy the treat. In my second trimester I made sure that the salon were aware I was pregnant and they were careful not to massage the bit above my heel as this can cause contractions. The girl even told me to come back at 9 months and she can start my labour...haha.

Also google zoya nail varnishes they are really great. OPI and most Sally Hansen products are formaldehyde free. Nails inc are not but I've been assured by their customer service people that the owner continued to use the products through out all of her pregnancies. My midwife also told me nail varnish was safe. I've still absolutely not regrets about avoiding it in the beggining though.

[katebakes]

Oh Sedgiebaby you're right, I think the OPI formula is different in Europe and the USA. I have products from both countries and was definitely sure I was using formaldehyde, toluene free polishes...I found the link to OPIs website: www.opi.net.au/OPI_cares.shtml

[SomethingOnce]

This thread's last post was in 2010 until it was resurrected yesterday. Back from the dead like a zombie!

[Sammi1986]

ohhhh huh i hadnt noticed!

[Dollybird86]

Are you serious? Is this all you have to worry about? Nail polish yes! Crack (and other hard drugs no!)

[TaliaN0818]

I find it interesting that some of the commenters get so defensive over nail polish. If you'd rather keep painting your nails than abstain for a few months for the sake of your child, then go right ahead.

Its not just the big 3 chemicals you need to watch out for with nail polish. Studies looking into Pthalate exposure have shown that nail polish and nail polish remover cause the highest amount of exposure.

New research has linked pthalate exposure in pregnancy with lowering a child's IQ:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/dec/10/phthalates-damage-childrens-iqs-womb-plastic-chemicals

[hestialou]

Hi, have hears different stories, personally I am leaving until second trimester, but cant go through summer without painted toes in sandals

[HannahBlack1992]

Like anything, use in moderation I think. I was thinking the same thing but as long as we don't stick it up our noses I think it should be fine. NHS says well ventilated room :-)

As for the rude comments, if you haven't got anything nice or helpful to say don't say it at all. Millions of women are anxious in pregnancy, its normal. Can't believe mother's can be so mean so pointlessly.

[HannahBlack1992]

Some mother's I mean :-)

[Bessyj83]

I just had to comment just in case it’s helpful to anyone else. For those saying “get a grip” “having you nothing else to worry about” “I might die laughing” what utterly discompassionate responses. Yes nail varnish is so very unlikely to cause any harm, well done. I lost a baby at 25 weeks in September, I’m now heavily pregnant again and due to high levels of self blame and fear of the same happening I am so very conscious of doing ANYTHING that could harm my baby. I’m aware some of the things I avoid are ridiculous but this is driven by my anxious, threat focused mind, not my more rational logical brain and that’s understandable. For anyone worrying about the little things, as a specialist therapist myself and as someone who has support myself from a bereavement midwife and health psychologist due to my loss, be kind to yourself and find your own limit (loss or no loss) and screw anyone who doesn’t understand the fear some people experience, for whatever reason, during pregnancy. I hope if the cruel or dismissive responders ever experience anxiety about the little things they find more compassionate people to talk to, after all, the little worries are generally linked to a much bigger and frightening fear. Apologies for the rant, I couldn’t let it go.

[EveningReflection]

I used to get gel nails done (home visit) every fortnight. When lockdown happened the lady stopped her business. The timing was around when I conceived. I figured that even though the risk associated with hair dye and nail polish is low, it's pointless doing them when I'm not going out anywhere anyway! Also they advise against gel nail polish specifically, further along in your pregnancy. Its hard to remove and has to be taken off quickly if you need an emergency/unplanned c section.

[Charlotte2020]

I googled this when I was a few weeks pregnant- think if it's every now and then and it's a well ventilated room you'll be ok, some chemicals will be absorbed but not enough to harm the baby. Obviously a different colour every day probably isn't a good idea, but once a week/ fortnight is fine.