Can You Get Your Nails Done While Pregnant?
If there were ever a need for pampering, it most definitely during pregnancy. “I was not a fan of being pregnant,” says Christina, a mom of two from Burbank, California. “I was nauseous, getting bigger, and I had gestational diabetes, so getting my nails done during pregnancy was the treat I needed. It was a way to still feel like myself a little, to still feel pretty.” But pregnancy has a way of making us second-guess even our most routine beauty treatments. Like many expectant moms, Christina worried about nail salon safety. “I was concerned about the fumes impacting baby. After all, you often see nail technicians wearing masks, so there probably is something negative about it.” Her fix? She started wearing a mask to appointments, too. That extra step helped her fully relax when she most needed to, but Christina is still unsure if she actually had to.
She’s not alone in seeking this particular comfort. You too may have this question—so can you get your nails done while pregnant? Read on for what beauty and pregnancy experts have to say about what’s safe and what you might want to reconsider while expecting.
Great news! Standard manicures and pedicures are generally considered “safe at any stage of pregnancy,” confirms Rikki Baldwin, DO, an ob-gyn in Texas. (That’s great news, since a pedicure during pregnancy is A+ help for swollen feet and much-needed relaxation!) Of course, that doesn’t mean you should willy-nilly get your mani/pedi at any salon with zero safeguards. “You should be cautious about the cleanliness and the ventilation of the salon,” says Baldwin. “When you’re pregnant, your immune system isn’t as strong as when not pregnant, so infections—especially fungal infections—and chemical exposure can be more dangerous.”
Is a gel manicure or pedicure safe during pregnancy?
When it comes to pregnancy beauty treatments, gel manicure safety is a common concern among expecting women. For those uninitiated, gel manicures and pedicures are much less likely to chip than standard mani/pedis. They also rely on a special gel polish that hardens in less than a minute with the help of an ultraviolet curing lamp. Because gel polish contains different chemicals (acrylic polymers, like methacrylate) than standard polish (nitrocellulose) and requires exposure to UV light, it stands to reason that getting a gel manicure while pregnant might cause some concerns, but you can likely relax.
While research specifically focused on getting a gel manicure while pregnant is limited, we do know that, post-lamp drying, very little of the chemical methacrylate remains. And “the small amount left isn’t expected to cause an increased chance of problems for your pregnancy,” says Alfred Romeo, RN, PhD, health educator with MotherToBaby specializing in chemical exposures in pregnancy and breastfeeding. (Methacrylate may, however, cause some surface irritation for those who are sensitive.) Plus, a JAMA Dermatology report indicates that the low UV-A exposure from typical gel manicure sessions is generally considered safe. That said, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests going to a salon that uses an LED curing light rather than a UV light for less UV exposure. Plus, an LED light cures faster, further reducing UV exposure. Either way, the AAD recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your hands and feet before you go under the lamp, whether or not you’re expecting. BTW, it’s a good idea to choose a mineral sunscreen, which is faster-acting than chemical ones, but if you can also wear fingerless UV protective gloves during gel manicures while pregnant. These precautions help prevent skin cancer and premature aging.
Can you get acrylic nails while pregnant?
If you’re wondering about getting acrylic nails while pregnant, the answer isn’t a simple “go for it” or “hold off.” Acrylic nails are a type of artificial nail that can only stick if the surface of your natural nails are filed until rough. These types of “fake nails” also contain the chemical methacrylate, which can cause irritation, redness and swelling under, around and below the nails. As with gel manicures, the small amount of chemicals absorbed by the skin or inhaled aren’t expected to cause problems in your pregnancy, says Romeo. So can you get fake nails while pregnant? Yes. But know that the AAD is no fan of acrylic nails, since they can leave your natural nails thin, brittle and parched.
Are dip manicures safe during pregnancy?
If you’ve skipped gel manicures in pregnancy and decided you’re not interested in acrylic nails in pregnancy either, you may be asking yourself: “Are dip manicures safe during pregnancy?” The answer: Probably. With a dip manicure, glue is applied to your nails, you then dip them into pigmented powder, shake off the excess and get a clear topcoat to keep everything in place for up to four weeks. Nail dip powders may contain benzoyl peroxide or calcium pantothenate… but neither absorb well into the skin, so these ingredients aren’t expected to increase the chance of problems in pregnancy, says Romeo. That said, “you don’t want too much in the air so that you breathe it into your lungs in large amounts,” he says.
“Getting nail services is generally safe during pregnancy,” reiterates Baldwin. In fact, according to the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC), occasional low-level exposures to mani/pedi chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene and plasticizers don’t pose a significant health risk for moms-to-be. Plus, NCPC goes on to report that fetal exposures are likely even lower than maternal exposures, making “fetal toxicity much less likely.” Need more assurance? Even studies that looked at pregnancies of nail salon workers—so folks with a lot of exposure to many/pedi chemicals—haven’t detected a higher chance of miscarriage.
That said, there are some risks involved with getting a mani/pedi during pregnancy. For example, “excessive swelling, skin rashes and/or itching may occur,” says Baldwin. Those reactions, however, are more likely due to an allergy, not your pregnancy status. After all, a report from the British Association of Dermatologists found that 2.4 percent of people tested at dermatology clinics showed an allergic reaction to at least one methacrylate compound, the key ingredient in acrylic nails, gel nails and gel polish nails.
“Some manicure and pedicure ingredients can also cause eye and respiratory irritation—or headaches, dizziness or nausea—under different situations too, such as breathing in dust or being in a poorly ventilated salon,” says Romeo. “But you can avoid exposure to higher doses of these chemicals by being in a salon with good ventilation, washing your hands before eating and avoiding accidentally ingesting any manicure or pedicure chemicals.”
“The strongest precaution that moms-to-be can take is making sure their nail salon practices the highest standards for sanitation,” says Baldwin. Here are some steps to take to ensure your manicure is safe and sound.
Check Salon Cleanliness
The AAD recommends confirming:
- Your nail tech has the necessary experience and/or license
- Mani/pedi stations are clean
- Foot-baths and filters are thoroughly disinfected before each use
- There are no dirty tools lying around
- The nail technician washes their hands between clients
Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask how tools are cleaned. For instance, all metal pushers and nippers should be sanitized in an ultrasonic cleaner and metal electric file bits require an acetone soak.
Prevent infection
- Skip cuticle cutting or aggressive pushing, which can increase infection risk
- Wait at least 24 hours after shaving legs before getting a pedicure to avoid infection through small nicks
- Ensure any cuts, scrapes or wounds are fully healed before getting a mani/pedi
Tip: If you get frequent manicures and pedicures during pregnancy, consider buying your own tools to be used at the salon.
Manage chemical exposure
- Choose salons with built-in ventilation systems at manicure tables. (There will be small vents built into the table surface, but ask if you can’t see or feel them!)
- Sit near open doors or windows when possible
- Ask about ceiling vents, exhaust systems or HVAC options if windows or doors aren’t open. You can also consider wearing a mask.
Reduce UV risk
- Opt for salons using LED curing lights instead of UV lights
- Apply mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+) before light exposure
- Wear fingerless UV protective gloves as a sunscreen alternative
Tip: If you’re concerned about UV exposure, ask if the salon can air-dry your polish instead of using curing lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could a pedicure massage induce labor or cause preterm labor?
Though research hasn’t definitively proven that foot acupressure can induce labor, caution is warranted. “Foot massages can be beneficial during pregnancy, but there are important precautions to take,” says Baldwin. She recommends: Asking your technician to use gentle pressure Avoiding specific pressure points that could trigger uterine contractions Skipping foot massage entirely in the third trimester if your technician isn’t trained in prenatal massage
Is the UV light for nails safe during pregnancy?
“Too much UV light can cause skin damage, or, later on, even cancer,” says Romeo. “But when directed toward the nails for short periods of time, the UV light isn’t a problem for the skin on the fingers or the rest of the body.” Simply wear fingerless UV protective gloves, use broad spectrum mineral sunscreen (30 SPF or higher) and seek out salons using LED curing lights instead of UV lights. Also, rest assured, UV lights don’t get into the body, meaning baby is safe, reminds Romeo.
What nail polish is safest during pregnancy?
“There’s no ‘ideal’ nail polish for pregnancy,” says Romeo. “If the ingredients are considered generally safe for adults, they shouldn’t cause any increased risks for pregnancy when used as directed.” While many medical experts maintain this position, some expectant parents prefer taking extra precautions. Victoria, mom of two—soon to be three—in Upton, Massachusetts, shares what worked for her: “I felt more comfortable switching to more pregnancy-safe, non-toxic nail products at the salon. I also stuck with regular polish over gels.” As a regular salon-goer who visited about twice monthly pre-pregnancy, Victoria found this approach simply “felt safer.”
Is acetone-based remover safe during pregnancy?
Though acetone’s strong, pungent odor gives off poisonous vibes, using an acetone-based nail polish remover during pregnancy is expected to be safe—provided you have proper ventilation, says Romeo. But after using nail polish remover, “wash your hands or feet to reduce the amount that could be absorbed through the skin,” he advises. And if the fumes make you feel woozy, “take a break and get some fresh air.”
Is it bad to inhale nail salon fumes while pregnant?
“Nail salon fumes can be dangerous in pregnancy, if you don’t take precautions,” says Baldwin. “That’s why it’s very important that nail services be performed in a well-ventilated area or near an open window. At the same time, you should avoid direct inhalation of nail polish and nail polish remover.”
Bottom Line: Can you get your nails done while pregnant? Yes. In fact, a pedicure during pregnancy should be doctor’s orders! Getting your nails done can be a relaxing way to pamper yourself during pregnancy, and with proper precautions, you can safely enjoy most nail services. Just remember to choose a well-ventilated salon, be mindful of cleanliness and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Rikki Baldwin, DO, is an ob-gyn in Texas. She earned her medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
Alfred Romeo, RN, PhD, is a health educator with MotherToBaby specializing in chemical exposures in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Reduce Artificial Nail Damage
Cleveland Clinic, Dip Powder Nails: Pros and Cons
National Capital Poison Center NCPC, Can I Use Nail Polish When Pregnant?
British Academy of Dermatology (BAD), Dermatologists Issue Warning About IK Artificial Nail Allergy, 2018
Professional Beauty Assocation, Guideline for Cleaning and Disinfecting Manicuring and Enhancement Equipment, August 2023
Mother to Baby, Working in a Nail Salon, October 2023
Women and Birth, The effect of acupressure on the initiation of labor: A randomized controlled trial, February 2017
Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
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