CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Fingernail Problems During Pregnancy?

My nails are growing like crazy but they’re also dry and brittle. Any advice?
save article
profile picture of Paula Kashtan
Updated April 25, 2017
woman's hands closeup
Image: iStock

Almost every part of your body changes during pregnancy, nails included. Thanks to increases in blood pressure and hormone levels, you may find them growing faster and longer than normal. The bad news is, can result in thin, weak nails that crack and peel. Our suggestion: Use this as an opportunity to pamper, pamper, pamper! Pay a visit to the salon and enjoy having those swollen feet buffed and shined. Make sure the salon is well-ventilated to avoid fumes (pregnant women are extra-sensitive). Apply lotion to your hands and cuticles liberally, and avoid moisture-sucking polish removers. Cut nails short and rounded, and keep an emery board handy to deal with broken and split tips. Gelatin capsules and prenatal vitamins containing the B-complex vitamin biotin, both safe during pregnancy, have also been shown to improve nail strength.

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 sitting on couch at home
What Causes Diarrhea During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman experiencing night sweats in bed
What to Do About Night Sweats During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
chiropractor or osteopath working with pregnant woman
Can You Go to the Chiropractor While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with acid reflux in doctor's office
What to Do About Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting on couch with swollen feet
Tips for Soothing Swollen Feet and Legs During Pregnancy
By Micky Marie Morrison, PT, ICPFE
woman touching her chest in pain
Why You Might Be Having Chest Pain During Pregnancy (and What to Do)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman experiencing carpal tunnel in hands and wrists
How to Relieve Carpal Tunnel During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
woman holding her baby bump while lying on couch at home
10 Crazy Things Happening in Your Body Right Now
By Meredith Franco Meyers
pregnant woman holding belly and back due to pregnancy pains
What Might Be Causing Your Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
By Elizabeth Narins
uncomfortable pregnant woman lying down in bed
Pregnancy Insomnia: Why You Can’t Sleep (and How to Remedy That)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman taking a nap on the couch at home
Everything You Need to Know About Anemia in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman taking medication in bed at home
Can You Take Unisom During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman breathing deeply
What to Do About Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman suffering from headache while lying on the couch at home
How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman applying cream moisturizer to breast
How to Soothe Itchy Nipples During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman resting in bed
How to Deal With Body Aches During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman with breast tenderness
When Does Breast Tenderness Stop in Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman itching belly
What Is PUPPP Rash in Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman relaxing on couch at home; sore and tender breasts during pregnancy
Why You’re Experiencing Breast Tenderness in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman lying down on bed at home
What to Do About Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List