Is gel nail extension harmful for pregnant women? Is extensions safe during pregnancy? What exactly is causing concern?

Nail extensions have become quite a common procedure in recent years. Many women resort to various ways to lengthen their nails, which makes them feel more confident. This article will help you understand whether it is possible to have nails extended during pregnancy, and what restrictions exist for this procedure.

Features of the procedure

There are several ways to lengthen nails. So, you can make them longer by using gel or acrylic. These materials are currently used most often for nail extensions.

The choice of extension method depends on many factors. Moreover, there are adherents of both one and the other option for lengthening nails. Extension experts note that if a woman chooses to carry out such a procedure with gel, then, as a rule, she uses only it, the same applies to acrylic.

The nail lengthening procedure itself using acrylic or gel is quite safe. Of course, these substances contain components that can affect the body, but their concentration is quite low.

The downside of the extension procedure is the notorious human factor. If nail lengthening is performed by an unqualified technician, then unpleasant consequences may arise in the future. For example, you can “catch” a fungal infection. This complication is possible if an unqualified manicurist uses insufficiently well-disinfected instruments during the procedure.

The use of low-quality materials is another reason that can lead to adverse symptoms. If, for example, nails are lengthened by using a gel containing toxic components, then problems with severe separation of the nail plates may appear in the future.

Some materials may even be toxic. When their vapors are inhaled, the body is poisoned. Such cases are extremely rare and occur, as a rule, if a manicurist performs extensions with low-quality materials in violation of safety regulations.

A woman always wants to be well-groomed, and pregnancy is no exception. Many women, even in an “interesting position,” carefully look after themselves. At the same time, they pay special attention to their nails. However, during pregnancy, the possible harm of cosmetic procedures should also be assessed, because during this period the expectant mother is responsible not only for herself, but also for the baby that is growing in her belly.

There are a huge number of superstitions and various folk signs that limit many face, body and hair care procedures, but doctors advise not to follow them blindly. Many of them are simply far-fetched.

Pregnant women who want to determine for themselves the possibility of nail extensions would certainly like to know the answer from specialists. Doctors note that it is impossible to make general recommendations. In each specific case, an assessment of the woman’s general condition is required, and only then a determination of the possibility of performing nail extensions is required.

Contraindications

Expectant mothers in the first trimester of pregnancy should avoid nail lengthening procedures. At this time, experts recommend virtually eliminating the use of any chemicals. Even many medications are contraindicated in the first trimester. Such restrictions are not imposed by chance. During this period, the internal organs and systems of the small embryo, which is located in the mother’s uterus, begin to actively develop.

Exposure to chemicals can affect this process. Of course, the presence of toxic components in acrylic and gel cannot be ruled out. Especially if the extension material is of poor quality.

That is why, in order to avoid serious problems in the future, doctors recommend refusing to carry out nail lengthening procedures in the first months of pregnancy.

Women who are allergic to the materials used for extensions should also avoid this procedure. In this case, it is impossible to lengthen the nails not only during pregnancy, but also at any other time. The use of materials that cause allergies may cause adverse symptoms.

Extensions using acrylic may result in the appearance of a specific odor. It has a product that is used in this procedure to lengthen the nail plates. Women suffering from pathologies accompanied by a broncho-obstructive component should avoid this method of nail extension. This procedure can cause suffocation and breathing problems in asthmatics.

Pregnant women who want to get nail extensions should definitely remember to take precautions. If the expectant mother nevertheless decides that she wants to get her nails done, she should weigh the pros and cons.

Nail extensions can only be done by a qualified nail technician. If a manicurist violates safety rules during a procedure, this can cause infection, and this is certainly very harmful.
During a manicure, intensive treatment occurs not only of the nail plates, but also of the cuticle that surrounds them. Careless movement with a manicure instrument can lead to skin injury.

The entry of pathogenic microbes into the wound can lead to infection. You should definitely remember this and not trust your health to unqualified specialists.

Many manicurists do not advise their clients to lengthen their nails using acrylic or gel during pregnancy. There are numerous observations suggesting that “wearing” a manicure done during pregnancy is not durable. Manicurists note that materials often peel off from the nail plates and become damaged. They explain this by the fact that numerous hormonal changes occur in the expectant mother’s body, which also affect the condition of her nails.
It is recommended to do nail extensions in nail salons or beauty salons that have good ventilation. So, if the air in the room practically does not circulate, then harmful fumes from the materials used for extensions gradually accumulate. This is more likely to increase the risk of vapors, and in some cases even tiny particles, being inhaled.

If the ventilation works well, then you can forget about such negative consequences.

About pregnancy and nail extensions, watch the following video.

Caring for the health and safety of the unborn child, women have to deny themselves many pleasures, as well as beauty treatments. One of these controversial issues is nail extensions. Some are categorically against such experiments, while others claim that it is absolutely safe for both the child and the expectant mother.

What does nail extension mean?

Nail extensions involve the use of special artificial materials to imitate and model the nail plate. The most common of them are acrylic and gel. Both substances have their own dangers, as they can emit toxic fumes.

Acrylic is a dry substance that hardens on the nails under the influence of a special monomer. The main disadvantage of this material is its pungent and unpleasant odor. In addition, the dust that is formed while grinding your own nails can settle on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. In addition, sharp instruments can easily damage the skin, which can lead to infection.

Gel extension technology involves the use of an ultraviolet lamp to harden the composition. An undeniable advantage is that this substance does not have an unpleasant odor (if you use gels from good manufacturers). However, in both cases, it is worth paying attention to the presence of formaldehyde, toluene and other toxic substances in the composition. A small concentration is harmless to the body, but a pregnant woman should be extremely careful.

A relatively new technology for nail extensions involves the use of a special bio-gel. It is based on tree resin, as well as a number of vitamins and proteins. This material is absolutely odorless, and most importantly, does not emit toxins when treated with ultraviolet light. But it is unlikely to be suitable for creating long nails. They are often used to strengthen a natural plate.

Should pregnant women get nail extensions?

Nail extensions are a personal choice for every woman. And even pregnancy will not be an obstacle for those who want to look impressive and attractive. However, expectant mothers should remember some contraindications:

- during pregnancy, allergic reactions may unexpectedly appear even to those substances to which you previously reacted absolutely normally (this can manifest itself in the form of coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, as well as nausea, dizziness and even fainting);
— since the main processes of fetal formation occur in the first trimester, it is better not to be exposed to chemicals during this period so as not to harm the baby (if you cannot resist creating beautiful nails, then use bio-gel);
— a woman’s hormonal background during pregnancy is very unstable, which affects the condition of her nails, and therefore there is a risk that the false plates will simply fall off the very next day after extensions (therefore, you should not throw money down the drain, but rather spend it on vitamins).

If nail extensions are a profession

For many, nail extensions are not just a whim, but a job. Naturally, nail technicians quite rarely go on maternity leave, considering this task not difficult. Sometimes the work doesn’t stop until the birth. A woman should be aware that there are some dangerous aspects to this:

- you risk serious poisoning by inhaling toxic fumes all day long, which will harm not only you, but also the unborn baby;
— when grinding down your clients’ nails, you constantly inhale the resulting dust, which is fraught with allergic reactions and inflammatory processes.

If you cannot give up your craft, then try to retrain and take up biological extension. It’s better to just do a traditional edged or unedged manicure, as well as various pleasant SPA treatments for the beauty of your hands and nails.

Basic Rules

If you decide that you need nail extensions even during pregnancy, then do not forget about some rules and precautions:

— be sure to wear a gauze bandage or a respirator so that toxic fumes and nail dust do not penetrate into the respiratory tract during the procedure;
- wash your hands well after extensions, and also rinse your mouth and nose with clean water to eliminate any remaining dust that may have entered the respiratory tract;
— make sure that the room in which the procedure is carried out is well ventilated (it is better if the specialist has a special device for collecting dust on the table);
— pay attention to the fact that the technician disinfects hands and tools, and also works in gloves and a special mask.

Special attention should be paid to working with an ultraviolet lamp. During pregnancy, such exposure is undesirable. To minimize it, wear rubber gloves on your hands, after cutting off the area intended for your fingertips.

It is worth noting that the nail extension procedure does not pose a critical risk to the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. However, it is better to refrain from it, as there is always a risk of unforeseen situations due to weakened immunity. However, if you decide to have extensions, do it with all precautions.

There are two opposing opinions regarding such a procedure as nail extensions during pregnancy. Some experts argue that this can negatively affect the condition of the pregnant woman, while others consider the procedure to be completely safe, taking into account a qualified approach and the correct choice of necessary materials.

It should be noted that in the first three months of pregnancy it is still recommended to refrain from nail extensions, since it is during this period that the main development of the organs and systems of the fetus occurs, and some substances included in the composition of nail extensions can cause a hypersensitivity reaction. These include, for example, formaldehyde, which has a strong odor and is toxic. This substance can have a negative effect on the human body by affecting the genome, organs of the respiratory and reproductive systems, vision and skin, as well as the central nervous system. In an expectant mother, such a substance can cause nausea, headaches, and even loss of consciousness. At the same time, according to the second point of view, starting from the second trimester of pregnancy, nail extensions are considered harmless, provided that high-quality materials are used and the procedure is carried out by an experienced specialist.

It should be taken into account that during pregnancy, certain difficulties may arise with extended nails, since natural nails may reject artificial materials. Different growth rates of individual segments of natural nails are also possible.

Is it possible to get nail extensions during pregnancy?

The decision whether it is possible to have nails extended during pregnancy is made by each woman individually, taking into account the characteristics of her body, the tendency to allergic reactions, as well as the nature of the pregnancy. In any case, if you decide to have your nails extended, be sure to consult with your doctor. Taking into account your condition and the data of all tests, he will give useful recommendations regarding the procedure - whether it is worth extending your nails or whether it is better not to risk it again. When making your final decision, remember that the composition of extension products contains toxic substances, and you are now in a state in which the body’s sensitivity to the effects of environmental factors is significantly increased. And if there is at least a minimal risk of a negative impact on the fetus and the course of pregnancy, it is most advisable to refuse such a procedure.

Nail extensions during pregnancy

Nail extensions during pregnancy must be carried out taking into account the special situation of the woman and carried out exclusively by a qualified master in an office specially designed for this procedure, equipped with the necessary equipment, high-quality materials and a good ventilation system.

If you decide to have your nails extended during pregnancy, during the procedure make sure that the jars with chemicals are not left open unnecessarily, after completing the extension, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, and also perform a nasal rinsing procedure for preventive purposes. If there are no contraindications, you can use sea water for this purpose, for example, marimer or chistonos.

Gel nail extensions during pregnancy

There is an opinion that gel nail extensions during pregnancy are the best option, compared, for example, with acrylic, which contains methyl acrylic and acrylic acids, which can provoke the development of allergic reactions both from the skin and other organs. In addition, this substance has a strong and rather unpleasant odor, which is extremely undesirable during pregnancy. The gel, in turn, does not emit a strong odor. Gel nail extensions are the most modern technology, since the gel is considered a hypoallergenic substance. However, when choosing a material, it should be borne in mind that there is another opinion, according to which exposure to acrylic and gel can cause similar reactions.

Pregnant women especially want to be attractive in appearance, first of all, for themselves. It's nice to know that your unborn child has a beautiful mother, so many people do not refuse to visit beauty salons when carrying a baby. The procedure for nail extensions and coloring, in particular shellac, is in demand. Let’s try to figure out whether it is safe for expectant mothers to use these services and whether possible harm to the health of the woman and fetus can be avoided.

Nail care during pregnancy

To maintain the beauty of nails and hair, it is important for pregnant women to monitor their own diet. The diet for expectant mothers should include foods that contain the following beneficial substances:

B vitamins - sprouted wheat grains, egg yolk, cabbage;
vitamin A - carrots, greens, tomatoes, liver;
iodine - spinach, seaweed, kiwi;
calcium - halva, cheese, cottage cheese, sesame;
silicon - barley, oats, oatmeal, rice;
sulfur - zucchini, grapes, radishes, legumes;
iron - egg yolk, meat, buckwheat, beets.

A woman expecting a child must take vitamin complexes prescribed by a doctor to replenish the necessary substances in her body. The lion's share of vitamins and microelements goes to ensure that the fetus develops normally, and the maternal organs and parts of the body receive the remainder. And if you neglect yourself during pregnancy, the recovery process after childbirth will last longer.

Toenails also suffer from a lack of vitamins; do not forget to take care of them to avoid fungal infection

In addition to taking vitamins and proper nutrition, your nails need special care, because during this period they become sensitive and weakened. It is recommended to shorten long nails to make caring for them easier.

If you are used to long nails, like I was in my youth, then they seem like extensions of your hands. But believe my experience, short nails are more suitable for young mothers, and you need to get out of the habit of long nails in advance. Cut them with nail scissors and shape them with a nail file so as not to damage the already fragile nail plate by prolonged grinding.

Lubricate your nails with nourishing oil every day and remember to wear gloves for protection while washing dishes and cleaning, whether dry or wet. And after doing housework, moisturize your hand skin with a special cream. It is advisable for all women to follow these recommendations, but pregnant women need to be more attentive to the condition of their nails.

It would be useful to arrange massage sessions and hand baths in your free time:

mix olive oil, lemon juice and 2-3 drops of vitamin A and rub into the skin of your hands with light massage movements, focusing on the part near the nails;
Dilute a tablespoon of baking soda in warm water and add iodine (1-2 drops). Immerse your hands in the solution for 10–15 minutes. This procedure will help avoid fungal infections, which often develop on weakened and vitamin-deprived nails.

A fungal infection is unpleasant for any person, but during pregnancy it is especially dangerous, as it reduces immunity, which is already low in expectant mothers, and causes allergic reactions. In addition, there is a risk of postpartum infection of the child with a fungus, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as the disease becomes known. You just can’t do it yourself; many drugs are contraindicated for women carrying a child. The doctor will tell you which remedy is best to use in your case.

When choosing a nail polish color during pregnancy, it is better to give preference to pastel tones that do not require frequent touch-ups.

Is it possible for expectant mothers to apply shellac or paint their nails with regular polish?

For pregnant women who want to paint their nails, it is preferable to do it with gel polish, the composition of which is less harmful to the fetus than that of conventional products. Shellac coating does not have an unpleasant odor and lasts longer on the nails.

Benefits of shellac:

the material does not clog pores, which allows the nail plates to breathe. For thin and brittle nails, this is a huge plus;
the shellac coating procedure has a positive effect on the condition of the nails, since the products contain vitamins and nutrients;
The only contraindications are individual intolerance to the components of the composition, which is quite rare;
relatively low price, justified by long-lasting quality.

The disadvantages include the difficulty of removing the coating yourself, but a specialist will always come to the rescue for an additional fee.

You can also paint your nails with regular varnish, but only high-quality ones, without harmful ingredients, and no more than once a month.

What dangers can expectant mothers face when painting their nails?

First of all, these are toxic substances that make up the varnish:

formaldehyde (formalin) - gives the varnish a sharp, unpleasant odor. Serves to ensure that the paint adheres better to the nail plate. Entering the body through the respiratory tract, it has a depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and causes tachycardia. Its fumes provoke headaches and irritation of the mucous membranes. The child in the womb also feels the effects of formaldehyde, which can inhibit the development of the fetus, cause disruptions in the immune system and damage to the central nervous system;
toluene (methyl benzene) - speeds up the drying time of the nail coating and increases the shelf life of the varnish. It enters the female body through the respiratory system and can cause defects in embryonic development;
camphor - gives the varnish elasticity and plasticity, making the coating shiny. It enters the body through the mucous surfaces of the respiratory tract, stimulating muscle tension. This chemical compound is widely used in modern medicine, but is strictly prohibited in drugs and products for pregnant women, since it negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system and can cause an increase in uterine tone;
butylated hydroxyanisole - used to stabilize chemical products. According to the results of some studies, it can provoke cancer and DNA mutations. There is no reliable confirmation, but it is not worth risking the health and life of the child.

The shellac procedure requires more time, since each layer must be dried with a special lamp. It is better if this lamp is LED than with ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful to human skin.
When going to the salon, pay attention to the chairs - can you sit in a comfortable position for at least an hour during the shellac procedure?

Toxins do not reach the fetus through the nail plate; everything enters through the respiratory system. Strong odors can make a mother feel worse even without causing significant damage to her body. Therefore, nail polish remover during pregnancy should only be used without acetone. After all, acetone damages the nail plate, making it thin and brittle, and also has a negative effect on the central nervous system. You need to be especially careful when removing shellac; make sure that the removing liquid does not contain acetone. Do not attempt to remove the nail coating by prying the shellac off with your teeth, as some ladies advise, this will greatly damage the nail plate.

Video: conclusions of British scientists about the dangers of nail polish

On my own behalf, I would like to add that some manicurists pose no less danger than the chemical composition of dyes. I had a neighbor who did marigolds and had regular clients. The lady was not too picky about her gentlemen and, having become infected from one of them, 17 years ago she died of tuberculosis, which she did not find out about right away. That is, she worked, exposing people to potential danger. Having such experience, I do not hesitate to ask the master for a medical certificate and carefully monitor that the instruments are processed in the proper way.

Is it possible for pregnant women to get nail extensions?

During pregnancy, the female body experiences enormous stress, which often affects the condition of the expectant mother's hair, teeth and nails. If the nails are fragile and brittle, the extension procedure cannot be carried out, as it will make the situation even worse. Nails do not breathe through the acrylic coating.

But for those lucky women whose estrogen levels make their nails stronger than before pregnancy, you can rarely get your nails done.

The already mentioned shellac will become a lifesaver for expectant mothers who care about their nails. In a sense, this is also gel nail extension, but the materials used are much safer for the health of the entire body. The only thing that can overshadow the joy of shellac is its fragility due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Usually the coating remains on the nails for up to three weeks, while when carrying a baby this period is reduced by half or even three times. Be prepared for such a turn of events and do not rush to accuse the master of violating technology or using low-quality materials.

Video: obstetrician-gynecologist about cosmetic procedures for pregnant women

What does an expectant mother need to know when visiting a manicurist?

To protect yourself from unpleasant consequences when visiting nail salons, take on board a few more useful recommendations:

If you want to sleep, suffer from toxicosis or have accumulated fatigue, it is better to refuse the procedures. The specific odors of harmful fumes can cause headaches, or even worse, depending on the materials. Even if you make an appointment with the best master in the city and skip the line. Your well-being, which certainly affects the condition of the baby, is much more important than a manicure;
Before going to a nail salon, read online reviews or advice from friends. Go to a master who inspires trust, not necessarily the one who charges more money for his services. But the materials must be of high quality and in no case market consumer goods. Don’t be lazy to study the composition and ask the master. Request that the table be disinfected and instruments processed in your presence. It is ideal if the workplace in the manicure room is equipped with an exhaust hood, but an open window or good ventilation is also allowed;
try to get into the salon early in the morning, before the air is filled with fumes from other people’s procedures;
give preference to unedged manicure, then the risk of infection will be minimal. The cuticle is softened using safe means and cleaned with wooden sticks or moved with a manicure spatula;
During the first 12 weeks and last 4 weeks of pregnancy, refrain from painting or extending your nails. During the first months, the baby’s vital organs are formed, and in the last months, labor may begin every night, and there will be no time to remove nail polish. In the maternity hospital, there will be no time and nowhere to renew your manicure, and you can’t scatter peeling paint everywhere. Due to the need to frequently wash yourself and your baby after childbirth, it is better to trim your nails to avoid accidental scratching.

And yes, if you have already decided to varnish, do not choose elaborate designs. Every touch prolongs your stay in a place that is not very suitable for an expectant mother.

Video: what are the dangers of nail salons and how to protect yourself

By the way, about reviews of nail salons - I would advise looking for them on third-party resources, for example, on social networks there is probably at least one community in your locality. It seems to me that the real reviews there are more honest than on the website or wall of the salon’s official community. Most service industry websites are pre-moderated - comments appear there only after approval by the administration, objectionable messages are simply deleted. This applies not only to beauty salons. For many years now, on official pages I have only looked at the range of services provided, and I go to find out about their quality “in person”.

Is it possible to continue working during pregnancy if the woman is a nail technician?

While it is easier for clients of nail salons to completely refuse services during pregnancy, nail salons find it difficult for nail salons. Few people can afford a long vacation to bear and raise a child, so you need to adapt to the situation.
If it is not possible to leave work, refuse procedures using aggressive chemicals, for example, only give clients manicures and cover your nails with harmless varnish

The following recommendations help pregnant manicurists maintain themselves in good condition:

ventilate the office as often as possible;
Make sure the ventilation is working properly - work at a table that has a built-in ventilation system. Or at least try to keep your work area closer to the ventilation openings;
Try to empty trash containers as often as possible and close them tightly;
Buy disposable respirator masks at the pharmacy and wear them to protect against inhalation of small particles and dust. Don’t forget to change them often - preferably after each client, but at least once every 2-3 hours;
Wash your hands before each client and after serving them;
use gloves to protect your skin from harmful substances;
Make sure that while working you are wearing clothing that completely covers your entire body below the neck;
Complete each stage of the procedure by changing cotton towels and napkins;
minimize the number of services that require the use of toxic substances and preparations containing methyl methacrylate, acetone, formaldehyde, toluene and phthalates;
Wash your hands and take off your work clothes before eating;
Store food brought from home in a closed container at low temperature;
eat and drink in designated areas and not at your desk;
Allow time to warm up between client visits;
meticulously select furniture for your workplace so that your posture while working is as comfortable as possible.

All these rules for masters and their clients apply equally to salon procedures and those performed at home.

Experiences of women who painted and extended their nails during pregnancy

I myself did my nails (for myself) for 7 years, with a friend, and she, too, while pregnant, worked, wearing a respirator, and only accepted her closest clients. An excellent boy was born, such a healthy hero! So, I think, all this is nonsense, you can’t wear makeup, paint your nails, etc. Do what you love, just without fanaticism!)))))) Everything should be in moderation, that’s all.

Marie
https://deti.mail.ru/forum/v_ozhidanii_chuda/beremennost/okrashivanie_volos_i_narashhivanie_nogtej_pri_beremennosti/

Well, I think that if you can refuse something, then it is better to refuse it. I don’t have to get my nails done, they’ll be healthier. I can avoid painting them at all, or buy special varnishes without harsh chemicals such as oils. I can’t breathe the city air, but I can’t go to the village (((

Mommy
http://beremennost.net/forum/archive/index.php?t-1617.html

All my life I painted my nails on both my hands and feet, and at 30 weeks I decided to give my body a break from the chemicals. Moreover, it’s getting harder and harder to reach my feet, and I often repaint my legs too (I don’t like when they grow out at least a little), I think you can go without polish for a while, it will be healthier for your nails, and you won’t breathe in toxic fumes.

https://www.babyblog.ru/user/sweetata/302215

My gel nails held up perfectly, but at 6 months I took them off so that I could get used to life without nails before giving birth.

https://deti.mail.ru/forum/v_ozhidanii_chuda/beremennost/manikjur_vo_vremja_beremennosti/?page=3

I did it throughout my pregnancy and even went into labor with shellac on both my legs and arms. I don’t believe in any particular harm.

Pregnant caterpillar
http://www.babyplan.ru/questions/156826-shellak-pri-beremennosti/

Don't be upset that you can't always look great. Be confident in your own irresistibility and enjoy waiting for your child. Then it won’t even occur to anyone to pay attention to the condition of your nails. It is quite possible to do without extensions during pregnancy and make nourishing masks for your nails. And sometimes cover them with a safe varnish to match the color of your mood.

Pregnancy is the happiest period in a woman’s life, when she literally glows from within and becomes very beautiful. Of course, the expectant mother has a desire to further emphasize her natural beauty. Even if pregnancy is associated with some difficulties, you still really want to remain attractive. The figure lets you down a little in this regard, but you can achieve the desired effect by carefully caring for your hair, face and hands.

Still, when carrying a long-awaited baby, you have to treat everything very carefully. This also applies to cosmetics, because they often contain not the most beneficial substances, which, when absorbed through the blood, can penetrate into the bloodstream of the fetus and negatively affect its development. Yes, and in beauty salons they use chemicals - they may be safe for adults, but they can harm the baby in the womb. Therefore, for many women, the question of whether it is possible to carry out nail extensions during pregnancy is relevant. Let's try to figure it out.

There are many superstitions regarding pregnancy. After listening to them, many girls stop cutting their hair: they used to think that the longer the braid, the more energy the expectant mother and her child will have. They also try to cut their nails as little as possible, not to mention giving themselves a manicure and pedicure.

In today's times, this myth has been dispelled, but some superstitious women still do not visit the hairdresser or beauty salons. Most, fortunately, want to look attractive. What is the main sign of grooming? Of course, hands.

What can be dangerous about nail extensions during pregnancy?

The main risk when getting nail extensions during pregnancy is associated with toxic fumes from methyl methacrylate, a substance that is part of nail extension materials. Chemical compounds are also contained in varnishes for intermediate and finishing coatings, including formaldehyde, acetone, and toluene. The expectant mother should absolutely not inhale the caustic vapors of these substances, since they have a strong toxic effect that can harm the baby in the womb.

Another danger facing nail salon clients is insufficient disinfection of tools. When processing cuticles and nail plates, microcracks appear on the skin, and through them pathogenic microorganisms from the surface of the instruments can penetrate into the blood. This applies more to manicures and pedicures than to extensions, but expectant mothers should still soberly assess all potential risks. The immune system of pregnant women is usually weakened, so the body may not have enough natural defenses to resist dangerous infections.

Carrying a child creates a double burden on the female body; all vitamins and nutrients during this period are divided between two. This is why expectant mothers often have bad teeth, peeling skin, and hair loss. The condition of the nails also often deteriorates - they become thinner and more fragile. In this case, extensions are not recommended, as it will create additional stress on the nail plates and make them even more brittle. It is also known that nails do not breathe under gel or acrylic coating. With insufficient nutrition, lack of vitamins and fragility of your nails, extensions will only worsen their condition.

Is it necessary to completely abandon extended nails?

Still, don’t worry that you’ll have to give up yet another joy in life and deprive yourself of the opportunity to have well-groomed hands. Experts do not establish a categorical ban on nail extensions during pregnancy; you just need to follow the necessary safety measures. And, as usual, many of the risks of this procedure for the expectant mother and her baby are greatly exaggerated, and some are not at all true. Thus, the results of studies of the effect of methyl methacrylate on the fetus prove: the amount of the substance contained in nail extension products is completely safe and does not have a toxic effect on either the fetus or the pregnant woman’s body. In addition, in the modern nail industry there is an excellent alternative - products based on ethyl methacrylate, which have almost zero toxicity.

Note to moms!

Hello girls) I didn’t think that the problem of stretch marks would affect me too, and I’ll also write about it))) But there’s nowhere to go, so I’m writing here: How did I get rid of stretch marks after childbirth? I will be very glad if my method helps you too...

A real find for an expectant mother is shellac, in which a combination of acrylic and gel coatings is used for nail extensions. This procedure is absolutely safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women. The only contraindication is allergies.

Shellac has many advantages over traditional nail extensions:

The pores are not clogged, so the nail plates breathe. This is especially important for the fragile and thinning nails of a pregnant woman;
The condition of the nails does not deteriorate, but, on the contrary, they become stronger;
The materials used do not contain harmful chemicals, which minimizes risks to the fetus;
Shellac coating is durable, so to keep your nails in good condition, you don’t have to go to the nail salon often;
The price of the procedure is low. However, you won’t be able to remove it yourself, so if you want to change the color or simply remove the old coating, you will have to pay a certain amount to the specialist.

To protect yourself from all possible risks when visiting nail salons, take on board a few more useful tips.

Avoid procedures if you feel tired, want to sleep, or are suffering from pain. Specific odors and various fumes from varnishes can aggravate your condition, although they are not always felt. Don’t worry that you agreed with the master in advance. Beauty, of course, requires sacrifice, but health is more important than well-groomed nails.

When choosing a nail salon, read reviews about it and find a nail technician you can trust. Do not hesitate to ask that the instruments be processed and the table disinfected before your eyes. It is a big plus if the manicure table is equipped with a hood, although good ventilation in the room or an open window is sufficient.

Do not skimp on materials for nail extensions and choose only high-quality ones. They may be more expensive, but they also contain fewer harmful chemicals. The difference in prices is not so significant as to risk your health.

Carrying a child imposes certain restrictions, but don't be discouraged if you can't always look stunning and create a feminine image. Pregnancy is the true embodiment of femininity, so during this period you will be beautiful even without visiting beauty salons.