We all may want to enjoy some much-needed time away at a spas, and it's time to make the most out of this luxury while being pregnant. You just can't beat that feeling of relaxation and being pampered. You may want a plethora of procedures, or maybe just a simple massage, manicure, and pedicure. But you may have questions about what's safe to do while pregnant.
When you're pregnant it can be hard to always know what's safe and what you should be avoiding every day - and tiring! Normally pedicures include nail shaping, filing your foot, a foot massage, and a nail clean up and polish to finish. Pregnant women can get pedicures as it 'provides a welcome lift to their spirits'.
However, the fumes from chemicals that sometimes go along with manicures and pedicures could be a concern when you're pregnant. It is advised to be in an open area with plenty of ventilation in the room, and try not to be exposed to the fumes for a long period of time.
You may also need to make sure that the manicurist doesn’t go near the area between your anklebone and heel, as some say that it could trigger contractions.
and according to the NCT, they say: "there are a few things to bear in mind. First, the fumes in a nail salon might make you feel sick in your first trimester, so it’s probably better to wait until later down the line. Plus, those fumes might contain organic solvents, which have been linked with birth defects in babies of mothers exposed during pregnancy.
Second, if you’re getting gel nails, check whether the chemical methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) is used, as this should be avoided (whether pregnant or not). There is also no evidence about whether acetone – used to remove gel/ acrylic nails – is safe during pregnancy. So it’s best to follow some guidelines:
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Try and avoid gel nails as much as possible, painting your own at home instead or getting a standard manicure.
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Ask nail technicians not to leave the acetone on for any longer than needed.
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If you’re taking nails off yourself, use cotton pads soaked in acetone instead of dunking your hands in a bowl full of the stuff.
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Give your hands a thorough wash afterwards to make sure all the chemicals have gone.
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Make sure the salon has doors or windows open when your nails are being taken off, says the NCT.
5 UK spas to get your luxury pregnancy pedicure
spas
1 of 51) The Spa Pedicure - Armathwaite Hall, Lake District
The luxurious hotel and spa, Armathwaite Hall is located in the beautiful Lake District, surrounded by 400 acres of private deer park and woodland. A perfect escape for the weekend when expecting.
The spa has a reputation for having a personal spa experience, which will put you at ease.
It offers an extensive range of treatments, including CND SPAPEDICURE, to soothe your tired soles like nothing else.
You will finish your pedicure with an application of Vinylux colour polish or choose from the Shellac range.
The spa offers two luxury pedicures, both lasting 55 minutes, the first costing only £35 and the second costing £45 with shellac.
2 of 52) The Zen Pedicure - The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket
The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel is in Newmarket in Suffolk. The Georgian-built hotel, is an ideal retreat that offers pampering for couples so you can both fully unwind.
The ZenSpa pedicure uses thermal heated booties for a deep penetration of oils and creams, softening your cuticles, improving circulation and soothing any stiff joints (or cramping!)
The treatment lasts a 70 minutes and prices start from £55 for a standard polish.
3 of 53) The Luxury Pedicure - Donnington Valley, Newbury
Donnington Valley in Newbury is surrounded by parklands and offers an escape from city or busy pregnancy life!
Donnington Valley’s luxury pedicure combats dry, hard skin on the feet while treating dry cuticles and aching feet.
Heated booties are used to nourish and deeply moisturise the feet, followed by a luxurious massage to the foot and lower leg.
You can also enjoy a top to toe massage on their Sanyo Chair Massage while the heated booties are on, then followed by any choice of colour for your polish.
This luxury pedicure lasts for 1 hour and 10 minutes, with prices midweek from £61.50 and prices on weekends being £71.50.
4 of 54) The Private Pedicure - Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, Staffordshire
Moddershall Oaks Country Spa is situated in Staffordshire, surrounded by 72 acres of parklike grounds. This retreat is the place to let all of your birth and pregnancy worries fade away.
The spa’s luxury pedicure is the ultimate pamper for your feet. Taking place in the Blush room, the treatment involves exfoliation that restores your skin, and followed by a nourishing foot mask.
Next, a mini lower leg and foot massage, then your nails are filed, cuticles are pushed back and finished with a nail polish.
£55 for 55 minutes.
5 of 55) The Prescriptive Pedicure - The Spa at the Midland, Manchester
The Spa at the Midland is one of Manchester's top spas. What better place for some pregnant pampering?
The Spa offers a deluxe pedicure with any Jessica colour. This luxury foot and leg treatment includes a massage and moisturise.
Any hard skin is filed down and removed, and your cuticles and nails are shaped before a colour from Jessica’s impressive selection. The pedicure is £50 for a total of 50 minutes.
Ellie Kirwin-Jones is an Editorial Assistant for Mother & Baby.