Possibly flameworthy question from the admittedly ignorant.

JellyTwoPointO · November 2012

Ok.... so I'd already done a little bit of initial googling about getting manicures while pregnant, and the majority opinion was that so long as the salon was ventilated well, it was ok.

Instead of getting a manicure, I opted for a pedicure because I love them and I love the massage chairs you get to sit in. AFTER I got the pedicure today, I decided to google pedicures and pregnancy... and multiple websites actually said it was dangerous to get a foot massage while pregnant, but particularly in first tri. I raised my eyebrows in confusion and wondering if this was nonsense. But since I saw it on multiple websites, I started to get a little bit nervous.

So, what say you, ladies? Is it really dangerous to get a pedicure that included a foot/leg massage? Have I put myself at any risk? I know I had a great u/s today and I'm thankful, but then I got a pedicure and those websites are triggering my PgAL brain...

purplepeanut6 · November 2012

I think u are fine.

In my medical opinion. Someone once told me there is an issue with nailpolish or the remover.... havent looked into it that much

blue_elle · November 2012

I'm avoiding polishes with formaldehyde, which I didn't really buy anyway, but otherwise I'm not too concerned with nail polish. Interested to hear what's wrong with getting a foot massage? I'm guessing it has something to do with releasing toxins from your soles, like those pads that your wear at night and they're supposed to turn black from pulling crap out of your body?

I think a foot massage sounds lovely...maybe I can talk DH into one tonight

clairmeij · November 2012

There are acupressure points on your ferry that can induce contractions. I think that's why its recommended that you inform anyone massaging your ferry that you are pregnant.

PrimRoseMama · November 2012

I think you should be fine. If you know the place, the instruments are clean and the place was not reeking of fumes then you should be great.

The only thing I saw when researching was to avoid massaging a certain portion of your foot to avoid triggering contractions. "Do be sure the manicurist doesn?t massage the area between your anklebone and heel (it could trigger contractions)." That is from What to Expect.

ZacksBride · November 2012

i believe that the foot massage thing has to do with accupressure points that can trigger labor in the feet. i haven't read about it recently but with my last pregnancy as my due date came and went without going into labor, i remember reading something about getting a pedicure to kick start labor. this early i think you would be fine.

PrimRoseMama · November 2012

clairmeij:
I think that's why its recommended that you inform anyone massaging your ferry that you are pregnant.

I know its a typo or autocorrect fail, but "massaging your ferry" made me giggle.

whatwhatinthebutt · November 2012

Jellybean902:
Ok.... so I'd already done a little bit of initial googling about getting manicures while pregnant, and the majority opinion was that so long as the salon was ventilated well, it was ok.

Instead of getting a manicure, I opted for a pedicure because I love them and I love the massage chairs you get to sit in. AFTER I got the pedicure today, I decided to google pedicures and pregnancy... and multiple websites actually said it was dangerous to get a foot massage while pregnant, but particularly in first tri. I raised my eyebrows in confusion and wondering if this was nonsense. But since I saw it on multiple websites, I started to get a little bit nervous.

So, what say you, ladies? Is it really dangerous to get a pedicure that included a foot/leg massage? Have I put myself at any risk? I know I had a great u/s today and I'm thankful, but then I got a pedicure and those websites are triggering my PgAL brain...

It's the spot above your ankle and the acupressure that's supposed to induce labor - I've never heard of it actually working though.

Also, the nail polishes are an issue - OPI and Essie are both safe. (If you already got one without it it's fine, just use those brands later on)

Fitnessteach2010 · November 2012

I actually get the shellac manicures. The nurse told me she loved the color today.... So Im assuming it's ok. But I don't blame you for being cautious.

kathleen02 · November 2012

Yep, it's supposed to help your uterus contract. A lot of women who have doula's or birth assistants use this technique during labor. My acupuncturist used that point when I was full term and I definitely felt some cervix ripening after that visit. Pedicure is fine, I'd opt out of the massage though. The same goes for regular massage appointments. Until you start showing you need to let the masseuse know that you're pregnant so they can avoid certain areas.

mikeANDjen448 · November 2012

clairmeij:
There are acupressure points on your ferry that can induce contractions. I think that's why its recommended that you inform anyone massaging your ferry that you are pregnant.

This.

JellyTwoPointO · November 2012

Thanks for all the replies ladies. (And for not flaming me!!!) I did get the massage, so I'm hoping that everything is ok...

luvmyducks · November 2012

Jellybean902:
Thanks for all the replies ladies. (And for not flaming me!!!) I did get the massage, so I'm hoping that everything is ok...

Not to bring up a sensitive subject, buy when you m/c were your cramps like contractions? With mine, they were, so you can feel them early on in pg. If the massage messed with those pressure points and started contractions, I'm pretty sure you would know, so I think you are fine. In the future, just tell the person you are pg and to take it easy on the massaging. That is what I did with DD's pg until I was full term and then I let them have at it.

JellyTwoPointO · November 2012

luvmyducks:
Jellybean902:
Thanks for all the replies ladies.  (And for not flaming me!!!)  I did get the massage, so I'm hoping that everything is ok...
Not to bring up a sensitive subject, buy when you m/c were your cramps like contractions?  With mine, they were, so you can feel them early on in pg.  If the massage messed with those pressure points and started contractions, I'm pretty sure you would know, so I think you are fine.  In the future, just tell the person you are pg and to take it easy on the massaging.  That is what I did with DD's pg until I was full term and then I let them have at it. 

If I remember correctly, they were more periodlike cramps. My m/c was so much physically "easier" than everyone said it would be. I bled lighter than the average woman's period and didn't cramp too much at all. I haven't felt cramped tonight and have no spotting, so here's to hoping I'm just overreacting and overly worried. That would be SO me. ::smiles::

RunningGal900 · November 2012

The concern is that there are pressure points which can cause contractions. Let me tell you as someone who tried everything when my son was a week overdue, you would notice if they were doing something to hit those pressure points. I had DH do it and it didn't feel good.

yesthisiskim0401 · November 2012

clairmeij:
There are acupressure points on your ferry that can induce contractions. I think that's why its recommended that you inform anyone massaging your ferry that you are pregnant.

Mobile thumbs up.

clairmeij · November 2012

PrimRoseMama:
clairmeij:
I think that's why its recommended that you inform anyone massaging your ferry that you are pregnant.
I know its a typo or autocorrect fail, but "massaging your ferry" made me giggle.
 

Haha...yes, I should read before I hit 'post'...autocorrect blunder. Sounds like a bad euphemism tho.

luckylindy · November 2012

Like PPs said it's the acupuncture spot. But trust me, when I was overdue with my son I tried that and everything else to naturally induce contractions and nothing worked. You're fine.

Rachel5782 · November 2012

I went today for a pedi and it included a delightful foot massage. I got pedis throughout my last pregnancy and they were amazing the last trimester since my feet were so swollen. The ladies at the nail salon knew to avoid massaging the ankle area to avoid triggering contractions. But honestly, I don't think it's something you have to worry about, especially this early.

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