All Archives NOTE: Opinions and advice provided on this website are based on the personal experience of the author, Stacy Quarty. Ms. Quarty in no way claims to be a professional source of medical, psychological or statistical information.
Q. Is it safe to have acrylic nails applied during pregnancy? My mom is telling me that the chemicals and fumes can cause birth defects and now I'm terrified. I've had my nails done several times since I've been pregnant. -Barby, Virginia
A. Although there is no evidence to support that fumes from acrylic nails can cause birth defects, it still is considered a "maybe" risk. Don't beat yourself up about your prior exposure. What's done is done. It's practically impossible to avoid every "maybe" risks for your unborn child.
You may want to take advantage of one of the pregnancy plusses–naturally thicker, stronger nails–and forego the acrylic ones for the time being. If you must have your nails done, you can make sure the room is well-ventilated or wear a mask to avoid the fumes.
Disclaimer: This web site, Frankly Pregnant: The Reality Site of Pregnancy, and the book it represents, Frankly Pregnant: A Candid Week-by-Week Guide to the Unexpected Joys, Raging Hormones, and Common Experiences of Pregnancy, in no way claim to be sources for expert medical or professional advice of any kind.