Pedicures and pregnancy

A beautiful set of toenails can change the way a woman feels about herself. Pedicures, while safe during pregnancy, involve taking the risk of infection when completed in a salon setting. However, home pedicures can be a safer and cheaper alternative.

Pedicures can be helpful during pregnancy because as the abdomen grows larger, eventually, you may not be able to tend to your own toenails, and reaching them or even seeing them may become impossible. When choosing a salon for a pedicure, it is important to choose a salon that autoclaves pedicure tools between uses. An autoclave will kill all fungus that can be passed from client to client. Chemical sterilization may kill bacteria, but it will not kill fungus.

Some doctors suggest that pregnant women should invest in a home pedicure set.

Remember to sterilize your tools

The tools used during the pedicure must be sterilized prior to use in order to prevent infection. Some pregnant women choose to supply their own pedicure tools to the pedicurist. When choosing a salon, you should ensure there is enough ventilation to reduce odors and fumes associated with the application of acrylic nails, nail polish, and pedicure chemicals. If the salon also offers hair treatments, fumes from perms and other styling processes could also cause headaches and increase nausea.

Do your own pedicure at home

Some doctors suggest that pregnant women should invest in a home pedicure set. Not only is this kit safer, but increased nail growth could mean spending more time in the salon which may increase the risk of fungal infections. Home pedicure kits often include all tools needed for a basic pedicure.

In addition to purchasing a basic home pedicure kit, you may also want to buy a foot spa, which provides relief from achy, swollen feet, which is often common during pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses and reaching toenails becomes impossible, a helping hand may be needed to trim and tend to toenails and feet.