Should You Get A Pedicure While Pregnant?

Our feet are often the forgotten parts of our body even though they literally take us everywhere we go. Consequently, they endure a lot of wear and tear. There's that saying about when your feet hurt, everything hurts. It's true because we rely on our feet for just about every physical activity we do when standing or walking.

That's partly why so many people regularly get pedicures. They help nourish our feet and keep them in good working order, while also tidying up our toes and heels to look groomed and polished in sandals and open-toed shoes. About once a month is optimal, per Bustle.

For many, getting pedicures is a little pick-me-up and a self-care practice that helps to feel stylish, fresh, and rejuvenated, via NAILS Magazine. Yet like so many self-care practices, you may wonder if you can or should get pedicures during pregnancy. When pregnant, you must calculate and balance risks with the benefits. Here's the lowdown on pedicures during pregnancy.

While many precautions should be taken during pregnancy and certain beauty routines, like getting botox should wait until after delivery, pedicures aren't one of them. While there is nothing inherently wrong with getting a pedicure during pregnancy, there are some precautions you should take.

First off, make sure that your salon follows sterilization and hygiene protocols. You may also want to ask that your cuticles be pushed back rather than cut to avoid an infection, via BabyCenter.

Next, choose your nail polish wisely and tell the salon that you're pregnant. Formaldehyde is found in certain nail polish and that has been linked to miscarriage and cancer, via the CDC. Ask your technician for nail polish with natural ingredients or bring your own.

In addition, many nail polishes have very strong scents which can give you headaches and nausea, especially in early pregnancy, via What to Expect. While the impact is higher if you're exposed to strong smelling chemicals regularly, it's a good idea to check in with your salon and ask if it's possible to have your pedicure done near fresh air like an open window or door.

Pedicures aren't only cosmetic. They have medical benefits. One of the most restorative parts of a good pedicure is removing calluses and dead skin, via StyleCraze. When the skin on the feet isn't properly groomed and maintained, it can acquire fungal infections.

In addition, pedicures often include foot and leg massages which can help boost blood flow to your feet. During pregnancy, this can also help reduce swelling. Also, it just feels really good. Your feet go through a lot when pregnant and your body in general is subject to many discomforts. So a nice foot massage can help your feet feel renewed.

Nail care expert Amy Ling Lin, tells Verywell Family, "A manicure or pedicure is a time when pregnant moms can mentally and physically relax and it can be a way to soothe and increase circulation, especially for women in their last trimester of pregnancy and who have trouble reaching their toes."

Another benefit is that getting a pedicure close to delivery will ensure that your feet are in tip top shape for your first month when you're busy with your new baby.