Pregnancy is an exciting and special time in your life. However, it can also come with many physical changes that leave you feeling less than your best. One beauty routine that doesn’t have to go by the wayside in the midst of the swollen feet and belly is the care and grooming of your nails. Although you may have heard plenty of horror stories about the dangers of nail polish and other manicure products during those nine months, there are plenty of ways to safely keep your nails looking beautiful until your new arrival.

The Good News and the Bad News

Like anything in life, there is good news and bad news when it comes to your nails during pregnancy. The good news is that nails tend to grow faster during those nine months, probably due to the hormone fluctuations and the daily intake of a prenatal vitamin. The bad news is that sometimes this accelerated growth can result in unhealthy nails that are quick to peel and break. Some women find that their nails are even longer and stronger during pregnancy while others have a battle of simply keeping a manicure intact. There are some things that you can do to keep your nails looking good even if they are not as strong as you would like.

Safe Nail Care during Pregnancy

Before we talk about what is safe to use on your nails during pregnancy, let’s talk about the products that are best avoided for safety’s sake. Any nail care item that contains formaldehyde or acetone should not be put on your nails, since evidence is unclear as to how these chemicals can affect a growing fetus. This means that you can use nail products that do not include formaldehyde or acetone in their ingredient lists, which includes plenty of pretty nail polishes for your enjoyment.

There are many safe things that you can do during your pregnancy to enhance the look of your nails. First, some women find it helpful to keep their nails on the shorter side to prevent splitting and cracking. It is also a good idea to apply moisturizing cream to your hands, nails and cuticles every night before bed, and more often if possible. You can use gelatin capsules as well, which are known for their nail strengthening qualities. Protect those potentially fragile nails by wearing rubber gloves for washing dishes and other cleaning chores. By practicing a bit of nail TLC and applying a nail polish and top coat regularly, you can go far in keeping your nails their prettiest during your entire nine months.

Are Acrylic Nails Safe?

There seems to be some disagreement over whether it is safe to keep your acrylic nails during your pregnancy. While it appears to be a relatively safe routine when you exercise certain precautions, the best people to help you determine whether to keep those nails would be your doctor and your manicurist. Keep in mind that if you decide to go sans acrylic for nine months, you will be able to get back into your routine once your little one arrives safe and sound.

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