Can I Get a Gel Manicure and Pedicure When Pregnant?

If you're pregnant and wondering whether that gel manicure appointment is a good idea, you're not alone. Many expecting moms find themselves second-guessing even the smallest self-care choices. Between trying to reach your toes around a growing belly and wanting to feel put-together, nail appointments can feel like a little slice of sanity during pregnancy.

The short answer? Yes, you can get gel manicures and pedicures while pregnant, but there are some important things you should know first.

According to ob-gyns and dermatologists, standard manicures and pedicures are generally considered safe at any stage of pregnancy. That includes gel manicures. But before you rush off to book that appointment, the safety really depends on where you go and how you approach it.

The chemicals in nail products do contain substances you've probably heard warnings about, including formaldehyde, toluene, and acetone. These sound scary, but the chemicals in nail products are present in small amounts, and occasional salon exposure is not expected to harm pregnancy, especially in well-ventilated spaces. Still, sensitivity and irritation can happen more easily during pregnancy.

The bigger concern is actually for people who work in nail salons every day for hours. Studies on nail salon workers haven't found an increased chance of miscarriage from these jobs, though some research on high-level chemical exposure has raised concerns. For you, as a client, going in for an occasional appointment? The risk is much lower.

Gel manicures last longer and look amazing, which is why they're so popular. But they do involve some extra steps that regular polish doesn't.

Gel polish uses compounds called acrylates that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially since pregnancy can make your skin more reactive. Plus, you need to cure them under UV light, which some moms worry about.

Most available research suggests UV exposure from occasional gel manicures is low, but data is limited. If you’re concerned, you can ask for LED lights or apply sunscreen to reduce UV exposure.

The removal process is where gel manicures get trickier. Gel manicures require longer acetone exposure during removal, which can irritate the skin or worsen nausea. Limiting soaking time or using acetone wraps can make the process safer. Regular polish needs acetone, too, but not for as long.

Many doctors suggest being extra careful during the first trimester. During the first trimester, the baby is undergoing organ formation, so minimizing exposure to unwanted chemicals is especially important.

This doesn't mean you absolutely can't get your nails done in the first three months. It just means you might want to be pickier about the salon, make sure ventilation is good, and maybe skip gel in favor of regular polish during this time.

If you did get a manicure before you knew you were pregnant, don't panic. One pedicure or manicure is generally safe and not expected to cause harm.

Want to enjoy your manicure without worry? Here's what actually helps:

You should be cautious about the cleanliness and ventilation of the salon, since during pregnancy, your immune system isn't as strong, making infections and chemical exposure more concerning. Look for places that feel clean, have good airflow, and sterilize their tools properly between clients.

Before booking, you can call and ask about their cleaning procedures. Do they use new tools for each client? How do they sanitize pedicure tubs? A good salon won't mind answering these questions.

The smell in nail salons isn't just annoying; it tells you that chemicals are in the air. If there's good air flow and plenty of fresh air, it's not likely that much of the chemicals will get into the body by breathing the fumes.

Sit near an open door or window if possible. Some salons have small fans at each station to blow fumes away. Don't be shy about asking for a well-ventilated spot.

Look for "3-free" or "5-free" polishes. These don't contain the three most concerning chemicals: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Many popular brands make these now, and lots of salons carry them. Just ask.

If you're really concerned about infection risk, consider buying your own nail file and cuticle pusher to bring to appointments. It sounds extra, but it gives you control over cleanliness.

Pedicures can actually be wonderful during pregnancy. Soaking your feet in warm water and having a gentle foot massage can feel great, especially if you have swollen feet and ankles. Some salons even offer pregnancy pedicures designed for expecting moms.

The chemicals used in pedicures are the same as in manicures, so the safety concerns are similar. The main risk with pedicures is actually infection from improperly cleaned foot baths or tools. Fungal infections can happen in poorly cleaned foot baths. These aren’t dangerous to pregnancy but can be harder to treat, so choosing a clean salon is important.

Make sure the salon properly disinfects its pedicure tubs between clients. Reputable salons disinfect their tubs between clients, so don’t hesitate to ask how often they clean them.

Trust your body. If you walk into a salon and the chemical smell makes you feel dizzy, nauseous, or gives you a headache, leave or take a break, and get some fresh air outside.

Also, skip the salon if:

Getting gel manicures and pedicures during pregnancy is generally safe when done with some simple precautions. You don't need to give up this form of self-care entirely; you just need to be a little more thoughtful about where you go and what you choose.