Brittle fingernails

[danniellabella]

I don't know if it's pregnancy related but has anyone else experienced brittle nails?

Mine were really lovely until I got pregnant, now they are breaking so easily and they look horrible. I do moisturise my hands at least once (or more) a day which has always made my nails strong but it's not helping anymore.

Is this a pregnancy symptom or just me?

[luey]

Not sure Danni.

I think some people have found their nails improve, others the opposite. It does make sense that they may get worse as Bubs could be sucking all your nutrients out. Hair and nails are made of same stuff and that can change during pregnancy. Has your hair changed at all?

[danniellabella]

I think my hair is fairly normal or maybe a little bit better actually

[MrsB26]

Hi Danni, yes hair and nails are both made of a substance called "hard keratin" but they can react in different ways. Is your hair drier than normal? were you more oily before? if you were more oily, this would explain why it feels better than usual and your nails are more brittle (ie less moisture). If not - you are still normal. Like each pregnancy is different - each persons body reacts differently. I have seen people with dead straight hair turn to ringlets because they are pg.

Keep up with the moisturiser!!

PS. so cant believe that you so far already!!!!

[MantaRay]

I have had the same thing during pg and sometimes during bfing too. I put it down to not enough calcium and started taking supplements on top of the huge amount of milk I drink. It does seem to have done the trick - my nails aren't breaking much at all now.

[danniellabella]

Maybe I should soak my nails in gelitin, that is meant to help strengthen them. Thanks for all your advice girls

[Enchanted]

Hi Daniella,

My fingernails were great before I was pregnant and then they became really brittle. It was around 16 weeks when they started to go back to normal and now they (are still) super strong ... stronger than before!!

So maybe there is hope yet!!