Nail Ridges During Pregnancy: Expert Answers If It's a Concern After Katrina Kaif's Announcement

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience that puts the female body through hundreds of changes, ranging from radiant skin to thicker hair and, surprisingly, even to changes in the nails as well. While Katrina Kaif's recent pregnancy news with Vicky Kaushal saw fans going all out to mention ridges on her nails, the observation led to a valuable discussion, weather they are normal nail changes during pregnancy, and what does the body need to urgently go see a doctor for?

We exclusively spoke to Dr Rajni Mittal, MBBS and MD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chief Medical Officer, Hindu Rao Hospital - Delhi, to learn about what actually happens to your nails during pregnancy. Here is everything she shared with us.

Common Nail Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones affect not just your mood or your glowy skin, they can even influence the appearance of your nails and nail growth. Although some women say that their nails become more resilient and glowy, others feel they're brittle or streaked with ridges. These changes are typically normal, but being aware of what to expect reduces unnecessary worry. These are the most common nail changes you will go through when you're pregnant:

1. Nail Ridges

"Vertical ridges on nails are fairly normal in pregnancy. In the great majority of instances, they're not a problem and a consequence of hormonal changes or increased turnover of nail cells. But now and then, deep or repeated ridges may be an indicator of nutritional deficiencies like iron or biotin,”  Dr Mittal says.

2. Increased Nail Growth

Most women notice that their nails grow faster than before. Dr Mittal explains, "This is brought about by increased blood supply and hormonal changes, which also make hair grow faster during pregnancy."

Also Read: Nail Care In The Heat: How To Prevent Yellowing, Peeling And Brittleness Naturally

3. Brittle or Fragile Nails

Not all that occurs to your nails is fortunate. "Some women have brittle or weak nails," says Dr Mittal. "This can happen because the body's stores are being drawn upon to nourish the baby, and the nails are made more vulnerable."

4. Discolouration or Texture Changes

Minor colour or thickness changes happen, but sudden or extreme changes demand medical attention.

Why Do Nail Changes Happen During Pregnancy?

It’s natural to wonder why such small but noticeable changes occur in your nails during pregnancy. The truth is, your body is working overtime to nurture new life, and this creates a ripple effect that shows up in many places, including your nails. From hormones to blood flow to nutrition, multiple factors play a role. According to Dr Mittal, here are the main reasons behind these nail transformations:

• Hormonal alterations that alter nail growth patterns.
• Nutrient redistribution to the unborn baby, sometimes leaving minor marks on the mother.
• Improved circulation, which can accelerate nail growth.

Safe Nail Care During Pregnancy

Just because nail changes are natural doesn't mean to disregard them. If you take care, you can have healthy and strong nails throughout your pregnancy. Small changes in everyday nail care can prevent pain, reduce breakage, and even make you feel more confident when your hands are in the limelight. Here are some simple and safe expert-approved tips on how to take care of your nails:

• Moisturise every day to reduce brittleness.
• Eat a high-protein, iron, and vitamin diet.
• Use safe nail polish and other nail products that do not contain harsh chemicals.
• Keep nails short and clean, avoiding breaking and infection.

Expert Q&A with Dr Rajni Mittal

1. What are the most common nail changes that can occur in women during pregnancy, and why do they happen?

"Ridges, brittleness, and faster growth of the nails are most common. They are due to endocrine changes, improved circulation, and occasionally mild insufficiency of some nutrients."

2. Is nail ridging in pregnancy an indication of any nutritional deficiency or just a harmless change?

"Most ridges are benign and hormone-related. But if they are very deep or deepening, they may be associated with deficiencies like iron or biotin, which can be managed by diet or supplements."

3. How do pregnant women care for their nails safely?

"Moisturising, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding chemical-based nail products are key. Trimming the nails also avoids infection."

4. Are there any red flags in the nail health that should not be ignored during pregnancy?

"Yes. If nails become sudden dark colour, severe pain, swelling, or begin falling off, these are red flags and must be evaluated by a physician immediately."

Bottomline

Pregnancy has the power to change more than your shape around your belly, even your nails. Like in the case of Katrina Kaif, ridges and other nail changes are typically nothing more than body reactions to new pressures. Almost all changes reverse after childbearing, but keeping an eye on them also helps detect nutritional needs or health problems early on.