How to Paint Your Fingernails While Pregnant
You may notice that your fingernails look healthier and feel stronger while you are pregnant. You can enhance your beautiful nails by painting them with fingernail polish.
If you choose to paint your fingernails or get a manicure while you are pregnant, do a few things for your own health and safety, as well as your baby’s well being. If you limit your exposure to harmful chemicals, you can protect yourself and your baby while still keeping your nails looking beautiful and fashionable.
Ways to Paint Your Fingernails While Pregnant
Choose a nail polish that does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl-pthalate (DBP). If you are using a nail hardener, choose one that does not contain these chemicals as well. If you are going to a nail salon, bring your own polish in case the salon does not have chemical-free polish.
Clean the nail clippers with a disinfectant. Trim your nails with the nail clipper. Use a nail file to smooth the edges. If you go to a nail salon, bring your own supplies to decrease the risk of developing an infection. This will protect you and the baby.
Find a well-ventilated area to apply polish. Open a window or door, if possible. Most of the risk of harm comes from inhaling fumes, limit your exposure to any fumes. If you go to a nail salon, request an open door or window as well.
Shake the bottle of polish so that the polish goes on evenly. It’s important the polish goes on evenly the first time, so that you only apply one layer for the least amount of exposure to chemicals. Dip the brush into polish, and wipe the inside of the bottle as you lift the brush out so that it goes on more evenly. Stroke each nail with the brush, dipping and wiping each time.
Air dry your nails, rather than using a fan or blowing on your nails to reduce your exposure to fumes. Hold your nails as far away from your face as possible. Let dry for at least 10 minutes to 15 minutes, and then wash your hands to remove the chemical scent.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid using acrylic nails while pregnant.
