The buildup of female hormones in the body is the real cause for faster and stronger growing nails, not the prenatal vitamin. Some women, however, do not experience this positive reaction to pregnancy hormones.

The tummy is not the only thing that grows during pregnancy. A woman's body is the most healthy and ready for growth during the gestational period that the hair, skin and nails are pieces of perfection. The extra fast growth of the nails during pregnancy is often attributed to the prenatal vitamins, but do they really hold the key to nail growth?

The Ever Growing Natural Nail During Pregnancy

The buildup of female hormones in the body is the real cause for faster and stronger growing nails, not the prenatal vitamin. Some women, however, do not experience this positive reaction to pregnancy hormones. If nails are brittle or spilt easily while you are pregnant understand that this change is just a temporary matter. After the hormones levels return to normal, the nails will also return to their pre-pregnancy state.

Protecting the nails during pregnancy is a good way to keep them from splitting and breaking. During dish washing and general chores, rubber gloves are a great way to protect the nail. Staying away from nail polish and nail polish remover is also a good choice at least during pregnancy.

Artificial Nails During Pregnancy

There is a ton of controversy over the application and removal of artificial nails during pregnancy. At the center of the controversy are the chemicals used during the application and removal process. As with any chemicals, these can be applied to the nails during pregnancy as long as the salon is well ventilated. Looking beautiful during pregnancy is not something a woman needs to give up. Manicures, pedicures and artificial nails are all fantastic choices for feeling like a woman and taking time for you while waiting on baby.

If the pregnant mom does not want to have artificial nails removed in the salon during pregnancy, this can be done at home with relative ease. Cotton balls soaked in artificial nail remover can be placed over each of the artificial nails. A piece of aluminum foil can then be wrapped over the nail to secure the cotton ball and speed up the breakdown of the adhesive. After 10 to 20 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and cotton ball. The artificial nails are now ready to be filed away.

Painting Nails During Pregnancy

For women who are not willing to go into the salon during their pregnancy, painting both the fingernails and the toenails at home is perfectly fine. During the first and possible the second trimester, the pregnant mom should be able to reach the toenails with ease. The third trimester, however, will be the perfect time for dad or older children to paint the toenails for mom as they may have finally grown out of reach thanks to baby. Whenever using polish of any kind indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated with an open window or a fan blowing the fumes out of the room.

Whether mom's nails are growing faster than before or feeling more brittle than ever, pregnancy is a time of beauty and the nails are just as affected by the body changes as the tummy, hair and skin. Natural and artificial nail care including polishing and removal are completely agreeable during pregnancy.

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