Is it possible to paint your nails with gel polish during pregnancy? Is gel polish harmful during pregnancy?

Every girl and woman strives to look attractive. Well-groomed hands and a neatly executed manicure are an integral element of a true lady.

To avoid the negative impact of various factors on the child’s body, during the period of bearing the baby, the expectant mother strives to lead the healthiest lifestyle possible. Moreover, even during pregnancy, a woman wants to look attractive. And if before pregnancy such a procedure as coating the nail plates with gel polish does not raise any special questions or concerns, then with the appearance of a toddler in the womb, many mothers wonder whether it is possible to use gel polish during pregnancy? How safe is this procedure and will it harm the baby?

Gel polish during pregnancy - is it possible or not?

Carrying a baby involves a huge burden on a woman’s body. The little man takes from his mother all the vitamins and minerals necessary for full development. The lack of nutrients affects not only a woman’s well-being, but also the condition of her skin, hair and nails. Often pregnant women note that the nail plates begin to peel and become more brittle. A way out of this situation may be to apply gel polish to your nails. But is this procedure safe? Will gel polish during pregnancy harm the baby developing in the womb?

Gel polish in early pregnancy

The first weeks of expecting a baby are associated with increased danger for the developing baby and the course of pregnancy in general. The placenta has not yet been formed and all the substances that somehow enter the woman’s body “go to” her child. Although some toxic elements can penetrate the placental barrier. When coating nails with gel polish, all evaporations of chemical compounds enter the woman’s bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and skin. To avoid the risk of negative consequences for the child, in the first weeks of pregnancy it is better to avoid manicures using gel polishes (and traditional varnishes as well).

Is gel polish harmful during pregnancy - dangerous coating components

Before using a substance, you must ensure its safety. This statement applies even more to expectant mothers. In the process of covering the nail plates with gel polish, a woman involuntarily inhales vapors of chemical compounds. What components of gel polish pose a threat to a toddler developing in a woman’s womb?

Formaldehyde (another name is formalinum).

The substance has a noticeable unpleasant odor and is used to improve adhesion between the varnish and the nail plate. The compound enters the human body through the respiratory tract. Penetrating into cells, it irritates the mucous membranes, provokes headaches, tachycardia, and affects the central nervous system. Formaldehyde can also have a negative effect on the baby’s body - causing developmental defects, allergic reactions, disorders in the immune system and damage to the central nervous system.

Toluene (methyl benzol).

The compound is designed to speed up the drying of the nail coating and extend the life of the varnish. It also penetrates into the body's cells through the respiratory system. The substance is a strong solvent, and therefore can have a teratogenic effect on the fetus.

Camphor.

Volatile ether compound, natural plasticizer. The compound enters through the mucous surfaces of the respiratory system. Despite the fact that this substance is widely used in medicine, its use during pregnancy is not recommended. Camphor affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system; in pregnant women it can cause an increase in uterine tone.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).

A preservative that can provoke the development of cancer.

Before a manicure using gel polish, be sure to find out the composition of the coatings that will be used. Avoid the presence of the ingredients listed above.

Are pregnant women allowed to paint their nails?

As a standard, quite few contraindications for health reasons are prescribed for the use of gel polish, since the composition is now made as safe and hypoallergenic as possible for girls, preventing the occurrence of any side effects.

However, many masters still prescribe a relative restriction - pregnancy, and the client decides whether to comply with it.

When using decorative coverings, special attention should be paid to the initial stages of pregnancy, since during this period the formation of organs and systems in the girl’s body occurs.

How can pregnancy affect the condition of gel polish and its effect on the body? The main part of the problems is associated with changes in a woman’s hormonal levels during this period, which leads to a restructuring of the entire body. This affects the prescribing of restrictions that prevent the occurrence of side effects:

Premature collapse of the decorative coating;
The appearance of symptoms of an allergic reaction on the girl’s fingers, they become red, inflamed, swelling and itching appear;
Damage to the natural nail plate;
The occurrence of toxicosis, discomfort during gestation;
The impact of low quality components on the integrity of the child's development in the womb. This can lead to developmental disorders of the baby, the appearance of consequences reflected in his health;
Damage to sensitive skin and introduction of infection into the body through an open wound. This leads to severe inflammatory processes.

One of the common reasons why girls are denied the procedure during pregnancy is the possibility of an allergic reaction.

A pregnant woman's body is highly vulnerable to external factors, which is why allergies can occur even if there are no prerequisites for it. The consequences of an allergy can be damage to the nail plate, the quality of the decorative coating, or the occurrence of internal inflammation, which can be dangerous for the child, especially in the early stages of its development.

Also keep in mind that heaviness in the abdomen and pain can lead to severe discomfort for a girl when visiting a salon to have the coating done. Not everyone will be able to sit with outstretched hands for 2-3 hours, so it is recommended to postpone the session.

Important Precautions

To prevent consequences after visiting the salon, it is recommended to first pay attention to its quality. Make sure that the manicurists are competent in their work and that the consumables are of high quality and that will be safe for the client. Only decorative coating is recommended for pregnant women. Extension of artificial nails can lead to their premature breaking and peeling, which is associated with hormonal imbalances in their body.

When visiting the salon, pay attention to the following precautions:

Be sure to wear a protective mask to protect your respiratory system from nail dust that spreads through the air when removing the previous coating, as well as processing and filing the plate.
Before starting work, treat your hands with sunscreen so that the ultraviolet lamp does not affect them.
Make sure of the quality of consumables and their pre-sterilization.
Make sure that the master uses a primer - a base coat that has a porous structure without blocking the flow of oxygen to the matrix.
The room should be well ventilated, and no more than three craftsmen should work in it. The chair should be comfortable so that you can spend up to 3 hours in it.

If you decide to get a manicure, keep it short, since before giving birth, women are often forced to cut off the free edge of the nail to prevent the risk of damaging the baby's skin.

Also keep in mind that it is important to take a break periodically to give your nails a rest. This way you will ensure their healthy condition, preventing damage to the structure.

Is gel polish really dangerous for expectant mothers?

You should choose whether the procedure can be performed during pregnancy based on your state of health and general well-being, since the presence of toxicosis or other ailments will be a direct limitation to work.

Also consider the gestation period:

In the early stages, toxicosis may occur, which is provoked by inhalation of nail dust, varnish compositions, as well as severe hormonal imbalances;
In the second trimester, a severe allergic reaction may occur, which can lead to internal inflammatory processes;
Be careful in the last trimester, as using low-quality materials can cause premature labor.

Before visiting the specialist, make sure that you feel well. Then the gel polish will not be dangerous for the health of the child, as well as the course of your pregnancy, regardless of its duration.

How does gel polish affect pregnancy?

When deciding on the issue of covering nails with gel polish while carrying a child, a woman is primarily concerned with the problem of the influence of the products used during the procedure on the course of pregnancy and the health of the child.

Substances applied to the nail plate do not enter the woman’s body through it.
At the same time, the volatile components of the chemical compounds used during gel polish manicure penetrate through the respiratory tract into the blood of the pregnant woman, and therefore into her child. Therefore, do not be shy and find out the composition of all drugs used to treat nails.
Pay attention to the aromas floating in the beauty salon. Even if substances with toxic elements are not used when working with a pregnant woman, this does not mean that such compounds are not used in the salon at all. The room must have good ventilation.
High-quality gel polishes do not have a particular effect on pregnancy directly, but even they can lead to a deterioration in the woman’s well-being (nausea, dizziness).
Failure to take the manicure procedure using gel polish seriously, or the use of toxic or unknown materials can negatively affect the development of the baby, causing various types of abnormalities.

Allergy to gel polish during pregnancy

If the expectant mother is prone to allergic reactions, she should approach this type of manicure very carefully. The long service life of gel polish is ensured not only by the coating itself and the technology of its application, but also by the use of other chemical compounds.

Any component of cosmetic products (both gel polish, base or top) can cause a hypersensitivity reaction.
The coating is fixed under the influence of ultraviolet light. If a woman is allergic to the sun, after the gel polish procedure she is almost guaranteed to experience irritation on her skin.
Improper storage of materials can lead to a deterioration in their quality and a negative effect on a woman’s nails and skin.

Most often, an allergic reaction, if it develops, affects the nail plate (the area where gel polish is applied) and the skin around it. Symptoms of general intoxication - nasal congestion, tearing, sneezing are rare.

Is it harmful to do gel polish during pregnancy - rules for a safe procedure

Following simple rules will help to minimize the possible risks of gel polish while carrying a child:

Contact trusted manicure salons. Make sure that the technician sterilizes the instruments and uses high-quality materials.
The air in the room where manicure is performed should not be stuffy or have pungent, irritating odors.
If you feel unwell, stop the procedure immediately.
Protect your hand skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Before going to the salon, cover your hands and fingers with sunscreen.
A relatively safe alternative can be coating with high-quality original shellac in a professional salon. If it is not possible to carry out the procedure in this way, it is better to refuse it.
Be sure to take breaks between gel polish treatments so that the nail plate can “rest.”

Conclusions about gel polish and pregnancy

If we put aside emotions and answer the question of whether shellac can be done during pregnancy as impartially as possible, then a completely logical conclusion arises - the safety of nail services directly depends on the quality of the materials used and the level of skill.

Conclusion: whether you are pregnant or not, taking care of your health, choose gel polish from well-known brands, do not visit dubious salons, and do not test new cosmetic products of unknown origin. This will protect every woman from risks and unwanted consequences.

It is better to go to a nail studio, where tools are regularly disinfected, than to sit on a chair at home or in a basement. When deciding to use shellac during pregnancy, ask for the appropriate documents; all consumables used must have quality certificates, which they will always readily show you in good beauty salons.

Is it possible to get gel polish during pregnancy - advantages and disadvantages of the procedure

To find out whether it is advisable to cover your nails with gel polish while expecting a baby, you need to understand the positive and negative aspects of this procedure. It’s worth mentioning right away that among all the gel polishes offered by the cosmetology industry, shellac is considered the safest for use during pregnancy.

The benefits of gel polish during pregnancy

Durability. It's no secret that gel polish coating lasts much longer on nails (2-3 weeks) than regular polish. This means you will have to resort to re-application and inhale the unpleasant aroma of varnish less often.
Even gel polishes with components that are safe for pregnant women have a smell, but their intensity is quite comparable to regular nail polishes.
When applying a coating such as shellac, there is no need to remove the top layer of the nail plate, which means you don’t have to worry about injury to the nail.
The nutritional components that are used during manicure strengthen the nail plate and prevent its fragility.
The porous decorative layer allows the nails to “breathe”.

Pregnancy and gel polish manicure - disadvantages of the procedure

Even if the master uses a coating that is safe for pregnant women, easily evaporating solvents are used during the manicure procedure (especially at the stage of removing the previous coating). These substances can negatively affect the well-being of pregnant women, causing nausea and allergic reactions.
Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can affect the strength and service life of the coating in the direction of reducing the latter. For some women, gel polish does not last at all during pregnancy; the coating peels off almost immediately after application.
The coating procedure takes longer than simply painting nails with varnish, because... Each layer of gel polish must be exposed to an ultraviolet lamp.

Rules for the procedure

The health of a pregnant woman can only be harmed if the manicurist does not follow the technology, as well as if there are mistakes when wearing the coating.

Wizard errors:

“over sawing” of the plate – leads to thinning and fragility;
a layer of material that is too thick makes the nail heavier, causing the plate to eventually break;
injuries at the preparatory stage - skin cuts;
use of cheap, low-quality products;
failure to comply with standards for disinfection and sterilization of instruments.

The technician works safely: he uses disposable consumables and personal protective equipment
. Client errors:

make gel polish and wear it longer than expected, for example, one and a half or two months, instead of two or three weeks;
independently tear off the exfoliated areas of the coating - the gel polish “clings” to the plate and, as a result, the upper keratin layers come off along with the coating (it is better to file problem areas with a nail file or contact a specialist for correction);

The main mistake a pregnant girl makes when visiting a beauty salon is wearing the covering for too long. As the nail grows, the material shifts and creates unnecessary heaviness in those areas of the plate that are not designed for load, causing the nail to simply break.

Important! Wearing the coating too long can lead to moisture and dirt getting into small chips and peelings - an ideal place for fungi.

Gel polish during pregnancy: doctors' opinion

There is no consensus among doctors regarding the safety or danger of gel polish for pregnant women. The restriction applies only to the first 12 weeks of gestation, when the baby’s body is being formed. During this period, doctors agree - it is better to avoid using gel polish. In subsequent weeks, the use of this type of coating is allowed. Important conditions are the normal course of pregnancy and the use of high-quality and safe materials.

Safety of manicure during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman, as a rule, begins to be more attentive and careful towards herself, because now she is responsible not only for herself, but also for the unborn baby. The procedure for applying and removing the coating is no exception. You must choose a master whom you trust, and he will not neglect cleanliness and will conscientiously follow all stages of processing and disinfection of the workplace and tools.

The sterility of the instrument will be indicated by a sealed craft bag from which the master will take out the instrument for manicure. Also, the specialist should work in disposable gloves, and before starting treatment, spray disinfectants on your hands. It is also necessary to warn the specialist about your pregnancy, this will speed up his work and you will not have to inhale the odors from the gel polish for a long time.

Gel polish during pregnancy: reviews from women

Toxic materials can have a much more serious effect than many medications. At the same time, many pregnant women do not think about the danger that low-quality varnish containing harmful components can bring. According to reviews, pregnant women often apply gel polish throughout pregnancy and do not notice any abnormalities. At the same time, there are those who try to play it safe and not get carried away with cosmetic procedures while expecting a baby. Fortunately, there are no reliable results on the negative impact of manicure with gel polish on the course of pregnancy or the formation of fetal pathologies.

Even if the pregnancy is progressing well and the woman has no health problems, before the gel polish procedure it is strongly recommended to consult a gynecologist who is observing the pregnant woman. In addition, take the time to find out the name and composition of the products that will be used during the manicure and/or pedicure. In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid using gel polish.

Manicure during pregnancy

Manicure during pregnancy is not prohibited by gynecologists. It is not harmful, provided that the correct instrument handling technique is followed and specialized materials are used. If desired, a woman can arrange for a master to work with her tools. Perhaps this will cause the master certain difficulties, but it is possible to try to resolve the issue. Today's service of such services is so developed that it is ready to meet the client halfway.

Is it possible to do this at the beginning of pregnancy with toxicosis?

The onset of pregnancy has nothing to do with specialists banning manicures.
If the first weeks are accompanied by toxicosis, then of course you should refuse the coating. And this is not at all for medical reasons, but rather because of the inconvenience associated with odors. Regarding the issue of safety, here you need to carefully read what is written on the label and study the composition of the varnish.

No need to buy cheap varnish. As a rule, it contains a large amount of toxic substances, which in turn has a negative effect on the baby. A low-quality product will also provoke an allergic reaction in a pregnant girl.

No less important is the issue of removing the coating. This process involves the use of a special liquid. It is applied to the nails and removed after a few minutes. The duration of this procedure is insignificant, however, all this time the pregnant woman inhales vapors of a chemical solvent.

Is it possible to do it later?

Manicure can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. It is advisable to use the most acceptable substances that do not contain acetone to remove nail polish.