Do you paint your nails?

[Whysoserious]

I've just read that it can be bad in pregnancy due to chemicals dbp, toluene and formaldehyde. They're now banned in nail polishes in the EU.

I've been wearing nail polish nearly every day for the last month and it never occured to me that it might be bad. Having a mild panic and moment of guilt despite the fact that these chemicals have been banned.

Is anyone else a constant nail polish wearer like me?

Not constant but also hadn't thought about it. I've pretty much read all the advice on the NHS website and have seen no mention of this. I would have thought that if it were a concern the NHS would raise it, or doctors? Midwifes? It doesn't sound likely... Check with your midwife maybe?

Do you re-apply the nail varnish repeatedly every day with non-EU nail polish then?!!

Not an expert, but expect those are all the solvents used rather than anything in the colour itself, so its the applying it that's the problem. If you were a nail technician in Johhannesburg or something, I might say you should check the bottles, but for a normal consumer, I doubt there is any issue. You're more at risk from car exhausts & passive smoking...

The only reason they make you take it off for an op is to see whether your blood flow is ok, so if you are ready to pop & there is a chance that you might need a c-section, I'd remove it, otherwise keep wearing it!!

I was informed by a lady doing my pedicure and manicure that I should not put nail polish on as it will hide my nails during labour. Apparently doctors look at nails for signs of some problems like blood getting toxic. I do not intend to take her advise but thought I share :)

I think nail polish is perfectly safe during pregnancy.

What doctors look regarding the colour of your nails is capillary refill time- where you squeeze the end of your finger (or toe) so the nail bed goes white and see how long it takes for the pink colour to come back. Gives an idea of whether someone is dehydrated and how good the circulation is. Clear nail polish is fine. But that's not only way they measure these things, and nail varnish can be removed. I'm sure loads of women give birth with painted fingernails! I'd agree with chunkychicken if you're due and there's a chance you may need a c-section remove it. Clear nail polish is fine. And you can still get your toes nicely painted if you can't have coloured fingernails!