Caleb Foster
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body, and one of the lesser-known changes is that it can affect the growth and health of your nails. While some women find that their nails grow faster and stronger during pregnancy, others experience more brittle and weak nails. This is caused by a surge in hormones, specifically an increase in estrogen, which prolongs the growth phase. However, it's important to note that not all pregnant women will experience faster nail growth, and there is limited data on nail changes during pregnancy. In one study, the mean growth rate of the nail plate in pregnant women was found to be 0.1 ± 0.05 mm/day, which is slightly higher than the rate for non-pregnant women, but the difference was not statistically significant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth rate | No significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women |
| Nail thickness | Increased in pregnant women |
| Nail brittleness | No significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women |
| Nail conditions | Onychocryptosis, leukonychia, and onychoschizia are more common in pregnant women |
| Nail care | Keep nails short, clean, and dry; use hand moisturizer; wear rubber gloves when doing dishes or cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
Hormones cause nail growth
While pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in a woman's body, one of the lesser-spoken about changes is the growth of nails. Many women experience faster nail growth, with nails growing faster than ever before. This is due to a surge in hormones, specifically an increase in estrogen, which prolongs the growth phase. This hormonal change also affects hair, which may become thicker, dryer, or oilier, and skin, which may exhibit stretch marks and hyperpigmentation.
Hormones can also cause nail growth in pregnant women by increasing blood flow to the nails. This increased blood flow delivers more nutrients to the nails, promoting their growth. Additionally, the hormones can stimulate the production of nail cells, leading to longer and stronger nails.
However, it is important to note that not all women experience the same nail growth during pregnancy. Some women may find that their nails become more brittle or weaker. This is because the hormones can also affect the moisture levels in the nails, making them more prone to breakage. Proper nail care during pregnancy is essential to maintain nail health and prevent breakage. This includes keeping nails short, wearing rubber gloves during household chores, and using hand moisturizers, especially those that help strengthen nails.
Furthermore, hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause changes in nail texture and appearance. Some women may experience nail thickening, groove formation, or even detachment of the nail from the nail bed, known as onycholysis. These changes are temporary and usually resolve after giving birth.
While faster nail growth during pregnancy can be a welcome side effect, it is important to prioritize nail health and consult a healthcare professional if there are any concerns. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate calcium and iron intake can promote stronger nails and reduce brittleness.
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Nails become brittle
While some women experience stronger and faster-growing nails during pregnancy, others may find that their nails become weaker and more brittle. This is caused by a surge in hormones, which can also cause changes in hair and skin. Nails may break, tear, and split more easily than before pregnancy.
There are several ways to address brittle nails during pregnancy. Firstly, it is important to protect your hands by wearing gloves during chores such as dishwashing and cleaning, as water and certain chemicals can make nails even more brittle. Keeping nails clean and dry can also help, as soft nails tend to break more easily.
Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining nail health. A lack of biotin in the diet can contribute to brittle nails, so it is important to include biotin-rich foods such as nuts, eggs, oatmeal, spinach, broccoli, bananas, and whole grains. Ensuring adequate calcium intake can also help nails grow strong. Applying hand moisturizer several times a day can assist in repairing nails, as it provides the same benefits to dry skin cells.
While nail polish can strengthen nails, it should only be used in a well-ventilated room. Short nails are recommended during pregnancy, as they are less likely to snag and split. It is also advised to avoid biting nails and picking at cuticles. If you are concerned about brittle nails or experience other symptoms, it is important to consult your midwife or healthcare provider.
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Leukonychia and onychocryptosis
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause a woman's nails to grow faster than normal, typically from week 20 onwards. However, these same hormones can also make nails weaker and more brittle, causing them to split and break more easily. These nail changes are experienced by many pregnant women and can include leukonychia and onychocryptosis.
Leukonychia refers to white lines or dots on the nails. It was the most common nail change observed in a study of 312 pregnant women, with 24.4% of patients experiencing it between 14 and 42 weeks of gestation. The pathophysiology of leukonychia in pregnancy has not been studied, but it is hypothesized that elevated estrogen levels may increase blood flow in the nail matrix, resulting in keratohyaline granule retention (true leukonychia). Edema may also play a role by increasing pressure on the nail bed vasculature, leading to apparent leukonychia.
Onychocryptosis, on the other hand, is an ingrown nail. It was observed in 9.0% of patients in the same study. While the exact cause of onychocryptosis during pregnancy is unknown, it is speculated that elevated estrogen levels and edema may contribute to its development, similar to leukonychia.
To maintain nail health during pregnancy, it is recommended to keep nails short, clean, and dry. Using hand moisturizer and nail-strengthening products can also help. Additionally, protecting nails with gloves and ensuring proper nutrition can reduce breakage. It is important to note that any concerns about nail changes during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
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Nail care during pregnancy
Pregnancy causes many changes to your body, and one of the lesser-known changes is that your nails may grow faster and stronger. This is due to a surge in hormones. However, some women may find that their nails become more brittle and weak, and break, tear and split more easily.
If you are experiencing stronger nails, you may want to take advantage and treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure. Manicures and pedicures are considered safe during pregnancy, but there are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, while there is no known evidence that nail polishes negatively affect human pregnancies, they do contain chemical compounds, and there is a lack of research on their safety during pregnancy. If you are concerned, opt for nail polish that is water-based, non-flammable, and hypoallergenic, and avoid those that contain dibutyl phthalate, toluene, or formaldehyde. Gel manicures should also be avoided, as the effects of these during pregnancy have not been widely studied, and the UV lights used to set the gel pose a risk. If you go to a salon, ensure it is well-ventilated as the fumes may be upsetting, especially as pregnant women often have a heightened sense of smell.
If you are experiencing weaker nails, there are steps you can take to help them grow stronger and reduce breakage. Firstly, try to stop biting your nails, and ensure you are getting enough calcium and iron in your diet. You can also try using a clear nail hardener and reapplying it often. Keep your nails short, and file them in one direction only, rather than sawing back and forth, for smoother tips and healthier nail beds. Use hand moisturiser, especially one that helps strengthen nails, and wear gloves when doing tasks that may damage your nails.
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Nail growth rate unchanged
While some women have reported changes in their nails during pregnancy, the majority of patients have reported no changes in nail growth rate. In a study of 73 pregnant women, 34.2% reported nail changes, with only 12.3% experiencing onychocryptosis and 13.7% experiencing leukonychia. The remaining 65.8% of participants did not experience any changes to their nails.
Another study of 312 pregnant women found that 24.4% experienced leukonychia, 9.0% experienced onychocryptosis, and 9.0% experienced onychoschizia. While this study observed a higher number of nail changes, the majority of participants still did not experience any nail growth alterations.
A third study of 167 subjects, including 73 pregnant women and 94 non-pregnant women, found no statistically significant difference in nail growth rates between the two groups. The mean growth rate for pregnant women was 0.1 ± 0.05 mm/day, while the control group's mean growth rate was 0.09 ± 0.05 mm/day.
These studies suggest that while some pregnant women may experience nail changes, the growth rate of nails remains largely unchanged during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect nail strength, causing them to become more brittle or weaker.
To maintain nail health during pregnancy, it is recommended to protect nails with gloves, ensure proper nutrition, and moisturize regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question as nail growth varies from person to person. However, a study found that the mean growth rate of the nail plate in pregnant women was 0.1 ± 0.05 mm/day, which equates to approximately 0.7 mm per week.
Nail growth during pregnancy is often attributed to a surge in hormones, specifically an increase in estrogen, which can also cause changes in hair and skin.
Yes, besides faster growth, some pregnant women may experience stronger and harder nails. On the other hand, some women may find their nails become more brittle, weak, and prone to splitting or breaking.
Yes, there are several ways to manage nail changes during pregnancy. It is recommended to maintain proper nutrition, including ensuring adequate calcium and iron intake, and to keep nails moisturized. Additionally, wearing rubber gloves while doing tasks like washing dishes or cleaning can help protect the nails.
No, nail changes during pregnancy are temporary. Nails should return to their normal state within three to six months after giving birth.
