WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Nail Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Nail Changes During Pregnancy
Nail changes during pregnancy refer to any alterations in the appearance or texture of your natural fingernails and toenails.
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Yes!  These changes are totally normal and can be attributed to the hormonal shifts happening in your body.

During pregnancy, your body is working hard to nourish and grow your baby, and those changes can also affect your nails. Some women may experience their nails growing faster and stronger than usual, while others may notice their nails becoming brittle or developing ridges.
Prevent and care
It's a good idea to protect your hands if your nails are suffering while you're expecting. Try the following strategies to care for your nails during pregnancy:

Expect alterations in the texture, thickness, or growth of your nails. These changes can occur at any time during pregnancy. Maintain good nail care practices, including keeping nails clean and moisturized.
One potential cause is a lack of biotin in your diet. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that can improve nail firmness, hardness and thickness. It also can keep your hair and skin healthy. Make sure you're getting enough biotin from foods including: nuts, eggs, oatmeal, spinach, broccoli, bananas and whole grains.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
While most changes are totally normal, some may require a second look. If you're experiencing sudden nail changes, splitting or bleeding nails, or any signs of infection, your doctor is there to help.
Top Asked Questions
Why do nails change during pregnancy?

Hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy can impact nail texture and growth.

When can I expect to notice nail changes during pregnancy?

Nail changes can occur at any point during pregnancy but may vary from woman to woman.

Are there any specific nail care practices to manage these changes?

Keeping nails clean and moisturized is essential; consider using nail strengtheners if necessary.

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N
Nancy
31 Jan 2024

Good afternoon ladies, I am a nail tech and I recently found out that I’m pregnant, would it be safe to keep doing acrylic nail? Or should I stop?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
W
Wanda💕💕🥰
U should probably stop because it can be harsh chemicals and u don't wanna harm the baby cause u in your first trimester I will also check with my ob doctor to be on the safe side ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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M
Michelle
26 Aug 2023

Anyone experiencing carpal tunnel during their pregnancy in the last few weeks? My hands feel swollen and just my middle finger tips feel numb 😵‍💫 we go through so many changes !

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
M
Mia
Yea they feel swollen and then numb when I sleep. Even the bones hurt 😓
27 Mar 2024

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P
Paige
Oh my goodness. Yes. Iv had it for months. It's by far the most annoying symptom and it's relentless. Hang in there momma!
27 Mar 2024

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L
Liz
14 Oct 2022

Any recommendations on a nail polish? Something safe during pregnancy and natural 🤔

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
A
Amber
I just use regular nail polish girl
27 Mar 2024

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L
Liz
True I just feel like most nail polish fumes give me such a headache so it worries me with my unborn but I’ll probably just need to find a good brand
27 Mar 2024

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S
Stephanie
21 Aug 2022

I stepped on a rusty nail I’m 37 weeks pregnant today. What should I do? I got tdap shot at 28 weeks

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
9 comments
S
Stephanie
I believe that the tdap vaccine also has the tetanus in it and I got that at 28 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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