The Pregnancy Pedicure

A pregnancy pedicure may be a good thing to comfort legs and feet that are weary from all that extra weight and to make expecting moms feel that little bit prettier. It’s just something about having pretty feet that goes towards a woman's overall feeling of beauty – even if they may not be able to see them! Just knowing they are beautiful is what counts.

There are however, a few precautions expecting moms should take when getting pedicures. One of the biggest issues is chemical fumes. Some chemicals have been suspected of increasing the risk of birth defects when inhaled too plentifully during pregnancy.

Instead though, of listing which chemicals have been proven to cause defects and which ones haven’t, it’s best to just be safe around all fumes. Nail polish removers and chemicals used to apply fake nails are usually the biggest culprits of nauseating, dangerous fumes in salons. Primarily, toluene and formaldehyde, in large doses have both been linked to birth defects and cancer.

It’s easier than you think though to avoid fumes. Just be sure that you get your pedicure in very well ventilated, open areas or wear a mask of some sort to thin out the fumes. You can also wear lighter shades of polish or even clear enamel that can be removed with less harsh, non-acetone type polish removers. You can even forego the nail polish or acrylic nail application step and just leave your nails bare and moisturized. Nicely groomed, bare nails can be prettier than you think.

Concerns also exist with the actual nail polish. Dibutyl phthalates or DBPs, which help make plastics pliable in many household items and are used in nail polish, have been suspected for years now of causing birth defects in animals. Even though DBPs aren’t absorbed through the skin, until it is proven conclusively to cause defects in humans as well, follow the same rules as with polish remover (use in well ventilated areas). Oh, and if you’re wearing polish - don’t nibble on your nails!

Another issue that some have suggested is one that concerns massaging and reflexology. Some claim that incorrect manipulation of the area between the anklebone and heel and certains areas on the sole may cause premature births due to a reflexology effect. Since reflexology methods haven’t been really proven clinically yet, take this warning with a grain of salt.

Massaging during a pregnancy pedicure can help dislodge dangerous blood clots typically in the legs as pregnant woman are six times more likely to develop them. Even six months after birth they are still very prone. So it’s best to stick to just the feet and leave out the legs to avoid dislodging any clots unless the person performing the pedicure is skilled in pregnancy massaging. Even heavy vibrations from foot spas can dislodge clots.

Be sure also that everything has been sterilized to avoid infection just as with a regular pedicure. You can even carry your own tools to the salon if you wish to be extra sure the tools used are sterilized and clean. Also soaking in warm water for too long during a pregnancy pedicure may increase any swelling you may have in the legs and feet. Soaking too long may even cause swelling to happen so opt for a short warm soak instead of a lengthy one.

With these precautions in mind, you are ready to have pretty feet during your pregnancy. Practice common sense too. Anything that can be absorbed through the skin or has strong fumes should be brought to the attention of your doctor or another professional before exposing yourself to it. With such a thing as a newborn's health at stake, it is definitely best to be safe than sorry. So play it safe and you should be in store for a wonderful pregnancy pedicure!

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