Hi Briee !!!
How are you ? And how are you feeling ?
I would think that if you are noticing your nails have gone down hill, it is more than likely to be your little baby taking all the nutrients, and as a result your nails, hair and skin can suffer. The same can happen if you are on long term medication too. I always found my nails really suffered during pregnancy, my body skin dried up (eczema), yet my hair never looked better ! Unfortunately, I don't know of any web sites covering nutrition and nail conditions.
But I would guess that you are eating pretty healthily anyway, and if the condition of your nails is bothering you, then I would externally start treating the nails, using OPI's Nail Envy (Original formula, which gives the nails a gorgeous, healthy, pink glow to them). Nail Envy covers just about any nail problem (splitting, peeling, brittleness, soft nails), and it works by treating the external nail which is technically dead.
To feed the nail as it grows out externally, I would recommend 2-3 times daily nail, and cuticle massages with OPI's Avoplex Nail and Cuticle Oil. This is a vitamin packed avocado oil based product (avocado oil is one of the best penetrative vegetable oils for the skin), which will feed the nail when it is alive, before it grows out externally (if you see what I mean ! Help ! I am confusing myself !!!! LOL).
The nail plate takes on average, 4 months to grow out from the bottom of the cuticle to the free edge. So, if you were to start now, your nails would be beginning to look good by the time baby is due (well, give or take a month).
Twice daily hand massages with a hand cream would be very beneficial too, as they would stimulate the blood supply to the end of the fingers, carrying nutrients. Just one of the many benefits of massage
If you are interested in giving the Nail Envy and Oil a go, then just let me know, and I'll e-mail you a strengthening programme, and a maintenance programme.
You can get vitamin/mineral supplements for the hair and nails which I have heard do deliver good results. But, I would avoid these whilst breastfeeding and pregnancy. I think the Nail Envy works brilliantly without those supplements !
Hope This Helps !
Take Care !
Anna
