Pedicure Guides · Element Journal
Pedicures during pregnancy: what to check first
Many people get pedicures while pregnant, but the answer for you depends on your own pregnancy, so check with your doctor or midwife first and tell your artist you are pregnant before the service starts. Only someone who knows your health history can say whether one is right for you. At Element Nail Bar in Plantation, the shortest option is the Classic Pedicure at $35 for about 25 minutes, with a 5-minute massage.
Start with your doctor or midwife
General advice cannot account for your blood pressure, your swelling, your health history or how far along you are. A quick question at a prenatal visit or through your provider's message line can settle it, and you will walk in with a clear answer. These are worth raising.
- Is foot and lower-leg massage fine for me right now?
- How warm is too warm for a foot soak?
- Does my history of blood clots, high blood pressure or diabetes change anything?
- Should I avoid gel polish, the curing lamp or strong polish smells?
- Does any skin change on my feet or legs need a look first?
What to tell your artist
Say it up front, when you book or as you sit down, even if you are early on and have not told many people. Your artist cannot give medical advice, but knowing helps them adjust what they do.
- That you are pregnant, and how far along if you are comfortable sharing
- Anything your doctor or midwife asked you to avoid
- Whether you would like the massage lighter, shorter or skipped
- How warm you want the water
- That you may need to stand, stretch or use the restroom partway through
The parts of a pedicure people ask about
Massage comes up most. Pregnancy changes how blood clots, so some providers advise against firm pressure on the calves. Some massage traditions also avoid certain points around the ankle, although the evidence is thin, so raise it with your provider if you are curious.
Heat is the next question. Providers commonly caution against getting overheated in pregnancy, so comfortably warm water is a reasonable thing to request. Smell can matter as well. Polish and remover odors can bother you more than usual, and feeling queasy is a fine reason to pause or step outside.
Skin deserves attention too, since small nicks are a way in for germs. Avoid shaving your legs for at least a day beforehand, and mention any cuts or sores. Callus work is optional, and you can leave it out if your doctor has concerns.
Choosing a length of service
Sitting in one position gets harder as pregnancy goes on, so time in the chair is worth factoring in. These four are the shortest adult pedicures on the menu, each with its massage time included.
Regular polish is included with every spa pedicure. Gel Polish is an add-on at $15 for about 15 minutes and cures under a lamp, so it is one more item to run past your provider. At the other end of the menu, the Gold Enchantment Pedicure runs about 85 minutes with a 30-minute massage.
- Classic Pedicure: $35, about 25 minutes, 5-minute massage
- Deluxe Pedicure: $49, about 40 minutes, 8-minute massage
- Organic Spa Pedicure: $65, about 50 minutes, 12-minute massage
- Pearl Spa Pedicure: $75, about 60 minutes, 12-minute massage
Practical tips for the day
Feet tend to swell as the day goes on, and South Florida heat can add to that, so an earlier appointment and loose sandals may feel better. Eat something beforehand and bring water. Stand up slowly when you finish, because dizziness can come on after sitting a while.
Stop if anything feels wrong. Call your doctor or midwife about sudden swelling, pain or redness in one leg, a severe headache, or changes in your vision. We are at 8151 W Sunrise Blvd in Plantation, with an on-site parking lot and an accessible entrance, and 954-236-7922 reaches us with questions about the services.
Questions guests ask
Is a pedicure safe in the first trimester?
We cannot make that call, and your doctor or midwife can. Nausea and sensitivity to smells are what many people notice early on, so a shorter service or a different day may be more comfortable.
Can I get gel polish on my toes while pregnant?
Ask your provider, since gel involves a curing lamp and a stronger remover later. If you would rather skip it, regular polish is included with every spa pedicure.
Can I have a foot massage during my pedicure?
Your doctor or midwife should answer that for your pregnancy. Each of our adult pedicures includes a massage, so tell your artist before it starts if you want it lighter, shorter or left out.
