Why are nail paints removed when women are in labour?

It's usually for hygiene and medical monitoring reasons. If you opt for birthing pool then you may be advised to wear no makeup or nail polish/varnish for hygiene reasons - to prevent contamination. Some hospitals' policy might also require you to remove nail polish as it is believed to interfere with the blood pressure and pulse machines. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964339706001121) That being said, a friend of mine gave birth and had a french manicure but none of her doctors/midwife/nurses said anything. Best to check with the hospital beforehand. If you are undergoing a C-section you may be requested to remove all signs of nail polish and make-up prior to the procedure so they can monitor your skin tone when surgery is in progress.

Nail polish may be fine to wear during your actual pregnancy, when it comes to labor or C-section, you might want to think otherwise before doing so. If you are using a birthing pool then you may be advised to wear no makeup or nail polish/varnish for hygiene reasons. Hospital policy may also dictate that no nail polish is allowed during labor as it may interfere with the blood pressure and pulse machines although toe nail polish may be permitted. If undergoing a C-section you will be requested to remove all signs of nail polish and makeup prior to the procedure so they can monitor your skin tone. This is very important, therefore, usually we would suggest you to remove everything at least a month before actual delivery.

My OB never said anything about my pedicure though. I remember having my toenails done back when I was pregnant at least 2x a month - usually put nail polish in any earth colors (my fave is Tan/Coffee brown haha) If you're comfortable to have it when pregnant then why not - esp if it's your one way of getting yourself the best preggo look ;) This article explains the safety of manicure/pedicure during pregnancy, might help: http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/looking-good/pampered-parts/monthly-maintenance/nails.aspx

Hi. One of the parameters monitored in the hospital is oxygen saturation in the blood. It is done by a tiny clip on thingy called pulse oximeter. Now, the new ones may have tackled this problem, but the old ones were not nail polish agnostic. Simply put, brown-red nail paints interfered with the accuracy of the machines. It is best to remove the nail paints as this is a very important parameter monitored. Geeks may read the abstract of the study at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3382042

Like Ruby, I had both my finger nails and toe nails painted when I was in labour and didn't remember my gynae mentioning anything about having them removed prior to my due date either. Like what both ladies have suggested, it would still be best if you seek your gynae's advise although I really don't think it matters. Keep them short and filed though so you wouldn't accidentally scratch your newborn

I had my nail polish removed prior to caesarean. The nurses hurridly removed them for me as I am in for emergency caesarean. I believe it is one of the "rule" for entering the operating theatre and for monitoring the oxygen flow during an operation.

I had shiny painted nails and I remember staring at them once in a while to remind myself that after I gave birth, I could pamper myself! Had natural delivery x

thanks