Nail salon safety and pregnancy

How safe is it to get a mani-pedi in a busy nail salon while pregnant?

A high exposure to Acetone during early weeks of pregnancy may increase the chances of miscarriage according to scientific research and studies.

Prevalent throughout a nail salon, Acetone, is found in nail polish remover at every station.Either by inhalation or through the skin and nails, a woman’s contact with Acetone can affect the nervous system of the unborn, thus leading to developmental delays in her offspring or even miscarriage.

In 2005, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, USA conducted experiments that concluded phthalates could, in fact, affect the reproductive health of males in utero.

The European Union has banned both phthalates and formaldehyde from use in cosmetics, including nail polish whereas these ingredients are still used in the United States.

A study conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta tested 289 adults for phthalates and found all 289 to be positive, with women of childbearing age (unfortunately) being affected the most.

Concerned about the use of acrylic nails while trying to conceive?

Methyl-methacrylate (MMA) is one of the ingredients found in acrylic nails and the United States FDA has concluded that methyl-methacrylate (MMA) does pose a health risk and may cause allergic reactions. Additionally, chemicals used to apply acrylic nails can seep into the natural nail. Some nail salons are opting for using ethyl-methacrylate (EMA) instead of MMA as it is currently considered a safer alternative to MMA.

Women who choose to continue their regular visits to the manicurist may want to consider the following.

• Request the first appointment of the day

• Select a salon with built-in ventilation system

• Do not go to the nail salon during first trimester