Nail polish opinion (a little long)

cswatch

This struck me as very odd, and kind of pregnancy police-ish, so I figured I'd share and see what you ladies thought:

I was at work yesterday and saying how my mom got me a gift cert to a Spa and I was thinking about scheduling a manicure and pedicure to pamper myself a bit (and also b/c my stomach is bigger and it's hard to reach my feet)....

Anyway, I was all excited and then this girl I work with was like "Ummm... I guess that's a good idea, but probably a waste of your gift card because you definitely should not use nail polish while pregnant."

It's nothing I've even thought much about to be honest, I just haven't used any since being pg because I didn't want the hassle of having to remove it and re-do it, etc. so I said "Oh, I've seen lots of pg people with nail polish on"

Then she proceeded to go off on this big thing about how she has two kids and with the first the doctor told her it was bad, so she didn't use any with the second and she thinks it's awful blah blah blah...  I was so annoyed, I was excited about my gift cert and she kind of rained on my parade.

Just wondering what your thoughts are?  I know so many pg ladies who get manis and pedis, I think her viewpoint is a little weird and over-the-top.

Roco&Leche

just make sure the room is well ventilated.

StevieJo

I try to be careful with some things but I'm definitely okay with nail polish.  I just know I wouldn't get a pedicure at the salon I get my hair done at because their pedicure room is small and not well ventilated.  But aside from that I say, big deal!

samakasrc

As long as the room is well ventilated and you aren't redoing it every two days (nail polish remover is worse as far as chemicals go) then there is no problem. I paint my nails all the time, I need something to brighten my day sometimes.  My dr okayed it, especially after the 1st tri.

Enjoy your gift, just make sure they know your pregnant (so they don't hit wrong pressure points) and make sure the salon is well ventilated and you'll be totally fine!

MMcLean05

My opinion is people love to tell you you're NOT supposed to do things. Dying hair, painting your nails, eating this, and drinking that... Personally, it annoys the crap out of me.

I get pedicures, like I've always gotten pedicures. I think as long as you're not drinking the nail polish, you're fine. 

Don't let her rain on your parade, go get your mani/pedi and enjoy every minute of it!

cheex090

Geez, I've never even heard that one. Like others have said, as long as you're not in a small room I'm sure you'll be just fine! I've been painting my nails and haven't thought twice about it.

KellyG6279

I personally do not use nail polish.  Do not like the smell, the way it looks and like to keep as many chemicals out of the house.  

But, I do not think it's going to harm you unborn child.  Go ahead and pamper yourself while you can.  As long as you're not breathing the fumes directly from the bottle or drinking it - you and your LO should be fine.

I do know that some pregnant women get weaker nails (some get stronger) as a result of being pregnant so if yours are on the weaker side, that would be my only reason for advising against it. 

FemmeNat01

Honestly, this is the silliest thing ever. Of course, you know that the room should be well ventilated ( and most reputable places are) so this shouldn't even be asked.

Nail polish is fine.

HuneyofJeremy

Don't let her spoil your joy of the certificate. Use it.  

opheliacantswim

I would have told her that since I'd be applying the polish to my nails, not huffing it, I'd be fine.

smbckr2

Yeah, I have heard that. I've read that you just need to use a brand that doesn't include DBP, formaldehyde or toluene on the ingredient list.

Laura0575

There was some concern a few years back about a chemical that used to be included in a lot of nail polish brands.

HOWEVER, most brands, OPI definitely and Esse- I think (the most common nail salon brands) have both modified their formulas to exclude this chemical.

I can't remember what the chemical is.  But if you google nail polish and pregnancy, you'll find the info.

Nail polish is totally safe.

TulipsAndChampagne

Laura0575:

There was some concern a few years back about a chemical that used to be included in a lot of nail polish brands.

HOWEVER, most brands, OPI definitely and Esse- I think (the most common nail salon brands) have both modified their formulas to exclude this chemical.

I can't remember what the chemical is.  But if you google nail polish and pregnancy, you'll find the info.

Nail polish is totally safe.

This. I use OPI, I did research first. I also bring my own tools (clipper, nipper, file) so that I can avoid getting any possible infections...but I go every 3 weeks.

BKHeightsGirl

I've never heard the no nail polish rule.  I get a weekly manicure and I'm 22 weeks.

SparkleK

You should make sure the nail polish that your salon uses does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP.  Most brands still include these chemicals but some brands do not.  Contrary to what PP said, Esse still includes these chemicals in their polish (boo!).  OPI, however, removed them a few years ago.  Butter London is my favorite brand.  The polishes may seem a little pricey at $14/each, but they are 5 for $45 which isn't so bad.  Butter London has nail salons as well.

I think the "read this first" section on The Bump talks about caution with nail polish.  Go enjoy your pedicure and if you are concerned about the brand of polish the spa uses, then just get your nails buffed.