Is it safe to get a gel manicure during pregnancy?

Safety of Gel Manicures During Pregnancy

Gel manicures are generally safe during pregnancy, but caution is advised due to potential chemical exposure concerns.

Understanding Gel Manicures in Pregnancy

• Gel manicures involve application of polish that is cured under UV light, containing various chemical substances that may be potential endocrine disruptors 1
• Few women actually change their cosmetics use during pregnancy despite potential concerns 1
• There is limited specific guidance on gel manicures during pregnancy in medical literature and guidelines

Safety Considerations

• The primary concern with gel manicures is chemical exposure, though topical products generally have minimal systemic absorption compared to oral medications 2
• Most cosmetic products used during nail services have not been extensively studied specifically in pregnant populations 3
• Studies of women working as manicurists (with much higher chemical exposure than clients) show some potential concerns:
  • Vietnamese manicurists showed slightly increased risk for small-for-gestational-age babies (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.08-1.78) compared to other working women 4
  • Increased risk for gestational diabetes was observed in manicurists (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.10-1.50) compared with the general population 4

Recommendations for Pregnant Women

• If choosing to get gel manicures during pregnancy:
  • Select well-ventilated salons to minimize inhalation of chemicals 3
  • Limit frequency of gel manicure applications during pregnancy 1
  • Consider traditional nail polish as an alternative, which has less chemical exposure 1, 3
  • Avoid nail polish removers containing acetone when possible 3

Relevant Medical Guidelines

• Pregnancy guidelines recommend avoiding unnecessary chemical exposures when possible 5
• The American Academy of Dermatology notes that topical medications generally have limited systemic absorption, making them relatively safer during pregnancy than oral medications 2
• For comparison, guidelines specifically contraindicate certain topical medications during pregnancy, such as:
  • Tazarotene is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be discontinued if pregnancy is recognized 5
  • Resorcinol in topical treatments should be avoided during pregnancy 5

Conclusion

• While there are no specific medical guidelines prohibiting gel manicures during pregnancy, moderation is advisable
• The occasional gel manicure in a well-ventilated salon likely poses minimal risk to pregnancy outcomes 3
• Women concerned about chemical exposure during pregnancy may choose to avoid gel manicures, particularly during the first trimester when fetal development is most vulnerable 1, 3