CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Can I Use Nail Polish While Pregnant?

Find out why going "3-free" can help protect baby.
save article
profile picture of Melissa Schweiger and Annette Rubin
Updated May 16, 2017
Hero Image

There’s been a lot of talk lately about nail polishes that are 3-free, meaning they don’t contain the three toxic chemicals DBP (dibutyl phthalate), toluene and formaldehyde. DBP may cause hormone-production problems in a fetus; toluene may cause reproductive issues, headaches, itchy eyes and more; and formaldehyde can cause breathing problems and even cancer. Who knew a pretty mani could be so scary!

While some experts think exposure to nail polish could be harmful to your fetus, there’s no clear evidence that the occasional manicure or pedicure is unsafe.

The good news is nail polishes by popular brands OPI, Sally Hansen and Essie are 3-free. The bad news is that some other companies’ nail products that were labeled 3-free have been found to contain some of these nasty chemicals. (See a list of those products here.) If that makes you nervous, you may want to avoid nail polish completely (au naturel nails can look pretty too!). But we think it’s okay to choose a 3-free polish by a brand you trust.

If you’re heading to the nail salon for your manicures and pedicures, make sure there’s proper ventilation and that the instruments being used have been sterilized. Ask the nail technician not to cut your cuticles, since you’re more prone to infections while you’re pregnant and cutting that delicate skin could let in bacteria and germs.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman getting a prenatal massage
How to Safely Enjoy a Prenatal Massage
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman pouring honey onto spoon
Can You Have Honey While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman wearing a sweater and holding a cup of tea
5 Ways to Survive a Winter Pregnancy
By Elena Donovan Mauer
ADVERTISEMENT
Can You Color Your Hair While Pregnant?
Can You Color Your Hair While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pink benadryl antihistamine pills in plastic packaging
Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
large concert crowd in arena
Is Loud Noise During Pregnancy Safe for Baby’s Hearing?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman using a heating pad on her stomach while laying in bed
Is It Safe to Use a Heating Pad While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with tattoos on arm
The Lowdown on Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman putting out a cigarette in ashtray
The Dangers of Smoking and Vaping While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman relaxing in the bath
Is CBD Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
glasses of rose wine outside on table
The Real Deal With Drinking During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant holding a glass of water while looking at phone
Mom's Exposure to PFAS Linked to Obesity in Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
Is It True Pregnant Women Shouldn't Take Baths?
Is It True Pregnant Women Shouldn't Take Baths?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman applying sunscreen on the beach
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen for All Skin Types
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
spa treatment products, brushes, scrubs
Spa Treatments You Can (and Can’t) Enjoy While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
midwife applying essential oil onto pregnant woman's wrist
What You Need to Know About Essential Oils for Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
illustration of colorful paint sample booklet
Safety Scoop: Can You Paint the Nursery While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Monkeypox and smallpox vaccine is shown at Northstar Medical Center in Chicago on July 18, 2022
US Reports First Monkeypox Case in a Pregnant Woman
By Wyndi Kappes
Pro-choice activists protesting in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on May 03, 2022 in Washington, DC
How the Overturning of Roe V. Wade May Impact Maternal Health
By Ashlee Neuman
pregnant woman sitting on bed at home with beautiful sunlight coming through the windows
7 Ways to Detox Your Home and Routine for a Healthier Pregnancy
By Carson Meyer
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List