Pregnancy nails (Part 1 of 2) is here to talk about the beauty of pregnancy hormones and what they do to your nails.

Firstly, pregnant nails are just a beautiful by-product of growing a small human inside your body.

The specific hormone that causes the growth of the nail are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones increase significantly during pregnancy along with an increase in blood flow. All contributing factors for the nail growth.

The nails can become long, strong and durable. The fragility of a non-pregnancy nail is gone. They can handle little knocks and nicks much better.

Though periods of pregnancy can bring an uncomfortableness with your new body which lay heavy at your feet even after birth. The stretch marks on your tummy and thighs, the change in your nipple shape and colour. The female body goes through a large list of changes that all feel far away from your normal.

Away from the normal is also the thicker potentially shiner hair.

So, celebrating the things that look beautiful in pregnancy is an important step in self-love. Starting with the obvious things that stand out as attractive changes and then maybe the other changes can be accepted with love.

Pregnancy body insecurities are a common part of the journey but reframing how you feel about those changes will make the positive body image 1st steps.

Using this new healthy nail to provide yourself with a gorgeous manicure could be a part of yourself care plans. It is safe to use nail polish (from UK/EU – Please check further for US). A nail polish manicure can change your whole week. Speaking from over 10 years of experience.

Top tip

Do keep your pregnancy nails in shape. Use a 240-grit file to shape the edges and guide the nails to the look you desire. If left unattended to grow long there is a tendency to fan out with a free-flowing growth. This can open the door to breakages and chipped sides, which in turn could cause scratches or injuries.

Pregnancy nails manicure steps

• Use a 240-grit nail file (emery board / glass) to file the nail into your desired shape.
• Use a good quality nail strengthen (check ingredients) to give the nails an extra boost of nutrients. This can be a good substitute instead of the standard base coat options.
• Apply 2 coats of your favourite colour. Pastel yellow is hot right now.
• Feeling fancy? Maybe a little home nail art? A dotting tool can create amazing eye-catching designs for beginners and professionals alike.
• A plump, quick drying top coat will seal in your hard work and keep your manicure looking good for up to 7 days.
• To finish off the look oil and lotion is a must. It will help to retain healthy skin and cuticles.

For manicure reference there is a downloadable step by step right here on Rhi Rhi Nails It. Manicure like a pro.

Importantly, not all women have the luxury of a strong nail in pregnancy. The hormones that create the faster growth can also cause a brittle nail. If this is you, the above manicure is just as important to keep the integrity. With the last step of oil and lotion being paramount to keep them subtle, staving off the brittleness.

Once all the pregnancy hormones and nutrients leave your body, your nails will revert to their usual condition. This could potentially take a few months.

Lastly, if you feel negatively about your body or pregnancy journey, reach out and talk. Whether it’s your best friend, Midwife or GP. Access the support available in order to gain the help needed to navigate these complicated feelings.

In conclusion

Pregnancy nails (Part 1 of 2) is all about the physical beauty of pregnancy. The most important steps of your life are coming next.. Bringing a new life into this world. Long nails with pastel yellow polish will soon be a distant memory. With that in mind check back here in January for Part 2 – Post partum nails.