Over at Us Weekly, the big news today is that Mila Kunis was spotted getting apedicure. And while any celebrity getting a pedicure pretty much counts as news over there (and we addicted readers just can't help but click!), Mila's is more noteworthy because she happens to be mere weeks away from delivering her baby girl with Ashton Kutcher. As you may know, there are varying opinions about why one should or should not get pedicures during pregnancy.
To briefly summarize:
1. Some believe that pedicures and/or foot massage may cause contractions—obviously a bad thing if your baby is not full-term yet. But if he/she IS full-term and you're ready for his/her arrival, this could be considered a good thing. (Perhaps Mila's trying to get that ball rolling?) Many sources say if you want to avoid contractions, just avoid having the area between ankle bone and heel massaged. Personally, I'd skip the massage entirely if I were not full-term.
2. Safe to say, the chemical fumes in nail salons are probably not awesome for your unborn baby. Thus, some people prefer to avoid them. Others figure the exposure is minimal, especially in a well-ventilated, open environment. If a place has a strong chemical odor, it could also make you feel nauseous.
3. Salon pedicures are already a sketchy concept when it comes to exposing you to possible bacterial/fungal infections, even when you're not pregnant. But you can help minimize this by bringing your own tools and making sure the soak basin gets a good thorough rinse before your feet go in. Have them leave the jets off, since the pipes are where bacteria can thrive. Also, be sure there are no open cuts or blisters on your feet, including spots where the technician may have been too aggressive in cutting your cuticles (you could skip that step and just have them gently pushed back).
As with so many things pregnancy-related, this really comes down to a personal weighing of the risks. I was the type of pregnant lady who felt comfortable having a glass of wine now and then, and, yes, I got a few pedicures, including one right before I went into labor. Shallow as it may sound, I think my pretty feet really did help me feel slightly better during that icky, sticky, post-delivery time period in the hospital.
What's your personal stance on pedicures during pregnancy? Do you think the relaxation and pick-me-up they offer is worth any of these possible risks? Or do you think it's smarter to just pamper your feet at home until post-partum?
