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In episode 9 of the “Mailbag” series of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listener-submitted questions, informing listeners about pregnancy, preconception topics, and serious health complications that can arise. In this episode, Dr. Fox discusses the safety of gel manicures during pregnancy, navigating Group B-strep, what to ask during a preconception appointment, and whether it’s necessary to avoid alcohol while trying to conceive. This episode is beneficial for anyone planning for or currently experiencing pregnancy, particularly those facing a high risk pregnancy.

Gel Manicure Safety

The first question asked during the Mailbag podcast was whether gel manicures are safe during pregnancy. Dr. Fox discusses how gel manicures are generally considered safe during pregnancy, with no evidence suggesting the chemicals used pose harm to the baby or mother. However, pregnant individuals may be more prone to developing allergic skin reactions, even if they have never had issues with gel polish before which is something to consider when speaking to your healthcare provider.

Group B Strep During Pregnancy

Group B strep (GBS) is a common bacterium found in about 25% of pregnant women. While it usually has no risk for the mother, it can lead to serious health complications for babies born with an infection if transmitted during delivery during full term and premature birth or preterm birth. In most pregnancies, a routine swab around 35 to 36 weeks helps identify GBS so antibiotics can be administered during labor to prevent transmission. Dr. Fox states, “It is possible that if someone doesn’t have it at 35 weeks, they could have it at 38, it’s a bug that sometimes comes and goes.” There are cases where a test may show a false negative due to timing, sample collection, or culture issues. As a result, health care providers may recommend antibiotics in future labors for those who previously had a baby affected by Group B Strep, regardless of test results.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction

For someone who’s had prior pregnancies affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a preconception appointment can be important to review what happened and prepare for a second pregnancy. Dr. Fox recommends using the appointment to go over past pregnancy records, placenta pathology reports, and scan results to try to determine whether the babies born were naturally small or if there were placental issues, such as restricted blood flow or problems with the uterine wall that may have limited growth. IUGR can lead to lower birth weight and is often monitored closely in a high risk pregnancy.

Alcohol During Pregnancy

During the podcast, Dr. Fox educates listeners that while high levels of alcohol during pregnancy can be harmful to fetal development, particularly the brain, occasional light drinking before knowing you’re pregnant (such as a glass of wine per week) does not appear to pose a risk. Timing is crucial because most organ and brain development does not begin until after a positive pregnancy test occurs, typically calculated from the last menstrual period. While it’s recommended to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy to eliminate any possible risk of serious health complications, very early exposure prior to the first trimester ultrasound may be less concerning. Alcohol consumption is safer at an earlier gestational age.

Partial Molar Pregnancies

Partial molar pregnancies are rare and often confusing, occurring when an embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes, typically 69 instead of the usual 46, usually due to two sperm fertilizing one egg. These pregnancies may show a fetus and even a heartbeat but almost always end in miscarriage and are often only diagnosed if the tissue is examined after the loss. While the general risk of a molar pregnancy is about 1 in 1,000, having one prior has an increased risk of recurrence to 1 to 2%, and having two raises the risk to as much as 10 to 25%. Genetic counseling and specialized testing can help determine if a parent carries a rare mutation that predisposes them to this condition. Dr. Fox emphasizes the importance of discussing these risks with a healthcare provider, especially when planning a second pregnancy or managing a high risk pregnancy.

Learn More

For more information on women’s health, contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates in New York by completing the online contact form or listen to the full episode of the Healthful Woman podcast.

Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!