Being pregnant may likely dent your beautiful look. Hence you may be looking for ways to look somewhat attractive. This is when most ladies apply acrylics or nail polish to achieve the above aim. However, can I have my nails done during labor?
No, you should not have your nails painted during labor. It is generally not recommended to have your nails painted during labor. During labor, your focus should be on managing the pain and discomfort of contractions and helping your baby to be born.
Also, nail polish can contain chemicals that may be harmful if inhaled or ingested, and the smell of the polish may be unpleasant or potentially harmful to you or your baby.
Why Am I Asked to Remove Nail Polish During or Before Delivery?
Whenever you are experiencing any form of surgery or C-section delivery, you have to remove your nail polish. This is mainly because during surgery, doctors track vital signs in your body, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen in your blood.
A sensor is placed on your fingertip, which determines the oxygen levels in your blood by passing red light through your fingernails. The device used for doing this procedure is known as a pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter helps in monitoring the oxygenation of your hemoglobin.
It should be noted that the nail bed is the best place to detect discoloration of the skin (cyanosis) due to low oxygen. The oximeter displays light through your fingernail and measures how much light is absorbed. The more the light is absorbed, the more oxygen level in your blood. However, wearing nail polish may hinder the monitor from working effectively.
The Potential Risks of Having Nails Painted During Labor
Here’s what you need to know about the potential health risks associated with having your nails painted during labor:
1. Inhaling harmful chemicals
Many nail polishes, including some glitter polishes, contain chemicals that could be dangerous if inhaled. If you’re going through labor and want to paint your nails, make sure that the polish you use is non-toxic and free of hazardous chemicals.
2. Infection
It’s also worth considering whether getting your nails done while in labor could increase your risk of infection. Ideally, you’ll want to avoid touching anything that could result in an infection while having your nails painted. That includes touching anything that might get infected by being touched by blood or other bodily fluids (like amniotic fluid).
3. Distraction from the pain of contractions
Focusing on getting your nails painted during labor may distract you from the pain and discomfort of contractions and the important tasks, such as breathing and relaxation techniques.
Alternatives to Having Nails Painted During Labor
We have researched and come up with these tips just to ensure you are safe while having your nails done while you’re pregnant:
1. Get a manicure earlier in pregnancy
Suppose you want to get a manicure while pregnant, ensure that all materials used are non-toxic and safe for your baby. Also, check with your doctor before getting any type of manicure. At the same time, pregnant because some chemicals in nail polish may be harmful to the fetus if ingested by either parent during delivery.
2. Use less-toxic polish
You should know that the chemicals in nail polish are not considered safe for pregnant women. This can be especially risky for those with a history of miscarriage or stillbirth. If you’re concerned about your pregnancy’s safety and want to have, your nails painted, opt for non-toxic nail polish instead.
3. Use nail stickers
Nail stickers are a great option for those who want to maintain their nail polish but don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting it done in labor. You can wear them on top of your natural nails and take them off when ready for a new look.
4. Use press on nails
Press-on nails are a great alternative to having your nails painted during labor. They’re easy to put on and take off, so you can keep your hands free from other things during labor.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Nails During Pregnancy
1. Use moisturizing hand cream
Moisturizing hand cream is great for keeping your hands soft and hydrated, which is especially important when pregnant. It’s also important to keep your nails healthy, so make sure you’re using a moisturizer that includes vitamin E and other nutrients that can help with nail growth.
2. Avoid biting or picking at them
You may be surprised that you tend to bite or pick at your nails during pregnancy. This is because your hormone levels are changing, which can make you feel more anxious and stressed.
It’s important to avoid biting or picking at your nails during pregnancy because it can lead to infections, like fungal infections or bacterial infections. However, if you have this urge, try holding ice cubes in your hands or wearing rubber gloves around the house.
3. Avoid sharp objects, like opening cans with your nails
Avoid sharp objects, like opening cans with your nails. Even though you can do it, it’s not recommended. Instead, use a can opener or ask someone else to open the can for you.
Also, please use gloves when working in the garden or doing other outdoor tasks that require a strong grip. This will prevent accidental scratches or cuts while working or carrying heavy items.
4. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Pregnancy can cause changes in your body, including your nails. A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein can help keep your nails strong.
5. Avoid using harsh nail polish and nail polish removers
Some nail polish and nail polish removers contain chemicals that can harm pregnant women. Opt for natural or water-based nail polish and nail polish removers instead.
6. Avoid unnecessary nail treatments
Manicures, pedicures, and other nail treatments can expose you to chemicals that may not be safe during pregnancy. If you get a nail treatment, ensure the salon is reputable and follows proper hygiene practices.
Can I Have Acrylic Nails While Giving Birth?
Acrylic nails are made of hard plastic, so they can be uncomfortable when you’re pregnant. They can also become more brittle and break more easily during your pregnancy, which is why it’s suggested that you keep them off while pregnant.
If you want to wear acrylic nails while giving birth, it’s best to wait until after the baby is born and ensure your nails are strong enough before applying them.
Can I Get My Nails Done at 39 Weeks Pregnant?
No, getting your nails done while you are 39 weeks pregnant is not advisable. Pregnancy can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Getting your nails done involves immersing your hands in water and potentially exposing yourself to chemicals that could harm you and your baby.
Additionally, as you get closer to your due date, avoid activities that could cause injury or stress to your body as it prepares for labor and delivery.
If you are interested in getting your nails done, it may be best to wait until after giving birth. In the meantime, you can take care of your nails at home by trimming and filing them and using moisturizing hand cream to keep them healthy and looking.
Can You Wear Nail Polish for C Section?
No, you cannot wear nail polish during a c-section or surgical procedure. This is because nail polish can interfere with the accuracy of pulse oximetry, a non-invasive method used to monitor a patient’s oxygen levels during surgery. Pulse oximetry involves attaching sensors to the patient’s fingers or toes, and the sensors use light to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. Nail polish can block or absorb the light, making it difficult to get accurate readings.
Also, keeping the skin around the incision site clean and free of any substances that could potentially increase the risk of infection is important during surgery. Wearing nail polish could make it more difficult to properly clean the skin around the incision site properly, increasing the risk of infection.
Can I have my nails done before Labor?
No, it is not advisable to get your nails done before labor. Pregnancy can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, and getting your nails done involves immersing your hands in water and potentially exposing yourself to chemicals that could be harmful to you and your baby.
Conclusion
It is generally recommended to avoid getting nail treatments, including manicures and pedicures, in the weeks leading up to labor and delivery. This is because these treatments can introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the body, increasing the risk of infection.
During labor and delivery, your body’s immune system is already working hard to protect you and your baby, and introducing unnecessary sources of infection can potentially cause problems. It is best to focus on keeping yourself and your environment as clean and hygienic as possible in the weeks leading up to labor.
