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Expectant and Postpartum Moms
What's the deal with pedicures?
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Anonymous
| I feel like some people say not to get pedicures while preg because of the chemicals in the polish & remover. Others say because of the nasty smells/chemicals at the salon. Still others say not to because the foot massage could hit pressure points to bring on labor. All of these seem like a bit of a stretch to me, but maybe I'm just saying that because I'm way overdue for a pedi! Is there any conclusive evidence on it, one way or the other? |
Anonymous
|
Who knows. Depends on what camp you're in (Camp Moderation or, as I like to call them, Camp Book Believers).
I don't know if I'd like take a job at a mani/pedi place, but if it's clean and well ventilated, I say enjoy it. This whole pregnancy thing takes a huge toll on your feets! |
Anonymous
| I had them during my first pregnancy and I'm currently 20 weeks and having one on Wednesday. |
Anonymous
| My OB is very conservative and not against mani/pedi. However - you may be very sensitive to the fumes and you should be careful with this. I had to wear a mask in one place cause the fumes were so bad. I also opted not to get polish. I enjoyed everything else. If pushing on certain pressure points caused labor, I think that would be used instead of pitocin. That is my 2 cents. Go to www.babycenter.com for more info on mani's/pedi's. But - if you have any doubts - ask your OB. |
Anonymous
| I've read that pressure points on your feet can indeed help induce labor, however, you need to know the specific acupressure points and then press really hard for 20 minutes or so on the right spot. A basic foot massage is not going to set anything off. |
Anonymous
I was told by my midwife that it's ok, but it's best to get it done in a place that has few nail stations in order to minimize the fumes...meaning not a nail salon with dozens! I'm getting one next week at a spa that only has two pedicure stations. Can't wait! 
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Anonymous
Yes, because it's really one way or another. How pretentious. |
Anonymous
|
Oh, calm down already. There are always shades of grey--duh.
But in very general terms, the black and white on either end are those who will do things in moderation and those who read a WHOLE LOT of books and subscribe to all worst case scenarios. And the greys tend to lean in one direction or the other. |
Anonymous
| What a dissection. Sounds like you're the one all riled up... |
Anonymous
| Not to take this off the direct question but I saw a 20/20 type or some news special on infections and nail salons awhile back. It really was gross. They went around to 20 salons, mid to high end, and checked the bacteria in a few areas of the foot bath. Almost all came back with ultra gross levels of scum and bacteria. Its a lot of work to take apart the areas that trap skin and sludge to clean between customers. Salons are required to do this in most states but the report showed that most don't. They showed women who ended up with skin infections etc. None pregnany but it was enough to kill any desire I might have to get a pedicure. |
Anonymous
|
I'm going to weigh in on the infection issue because I got a really bad one in my big toe. I was visiting a friend in SF last year and we walked in to a place to get our toes done. A few days later I couldn't wear shoes, had to have my big toe drained and go on antibiotics. You should consider getting your own pedicure kit and carrying it with you or make sure to ask how the sterilize their instruments and make sure they clean the tub you soak your feet in.
Good luck |
Anonymous
| It's about the risk of infection, not fumes, polish, etc. I'm in the conservative camp, and don't get them while pregnanct. But they're not that important to me anyway. If you're going to get them I would make sure to go somewhere clean, reputable, etc., and I would avoid the first trimester when an infection could be riskier for the baby. |
Anonymous
| Nail polish contains phthalates, which have been shown to cause cancer and reproductive abnormalities in lab animals. There's also been a study that showed a correlation with penile anomalies in baby boys exposed to high levels in utero. |
Anonymous
| I rest my case. |
zumbamama
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| why don't you just have it done near an open window? |