Florida woman is 39 weeks pregnant and wants a pedicure—so she hides her bump before walking into salon: ‘So they won’t turn me away’

The second a pregnancy test comes back positive, people tend to question every habit they previously found regular and inconsequential. Can you continue drinking coffee, exercising, eating the same foods, and using the same skincare?

A medical professional who tailors the care based on a patient’s health would probably answer these questions best. Recently, however, a new question has gained traction. A woman sparked a conversation about it on TikTok: Are pedicures safe when pregnant?

In her video, which has over 8.5 million views, TikToker Macy Bynum (@macybynum) films herself in a parking lot. She is visibly pregnant, zipping up her jacket.

“Me, 39 weeks pregnant, going to get a pedicure trying to hide my belly so that they won’t turn me away,” she wrote in the video’s text overlay.

“I just want baby out,” she added in the video’s caption.

Two days later, Bynum posed with her newborn in a follow-up video. The on-screen text reads, “The pedicure worked.”

Viewers Swear By It In The Comments

In the comments section, viewers clarified that the part that may make a difference for a pregnant person isn’t the pedicures themselves, but the massage that goes with it.

“As a nail technician we’re taught that there’s a pressure point on the back of your ankle that will induce labor,” one user wrote. “I was terrified when I got my first pregnant client, explained it to her and she said DO IT.”

“My lady has put me into labor twice. I’m pregnant with my third and will be 37 weeks in two days,” shared another. “You bet your butt I was there two days ago and she came up, cracking her knuckles and said ‘baby time’ as she sat down and gave me a 40 minute foot massage.”

“Huh? I’ve been getting pedicures all through my pregnancy and no one has said anything,” chimed in a third.

Can Foot Massages Induce Early Labor?

According to Healthline, foot massages are generally safe during all stages of pregnancy, but with a few caveats.

This type of massage can help a pregnant person relax. It’s also an alternative therapy that may be highly beneficial during pregnancy.

Healthline lists foot massage benefits such as reduced depression and anxiety, lower cortisol levels, shortened labor, and more.

However, the publication notes that trained professionals in prenatal massage should perform these massages. It recommends avoiding foot massages at nail salons, as nail technicians generally aren’t trained in pregnancy massage.

Additionally, though it is not strongly supported by scientific evidence, there is some concern around touching certain acupressure points that are believed to induce labor.

@macybynum I just want baby out ???‍??? #fyp #pregnantlife #firsttimemom #nails ♬ Sorry For Party Rocking – LMFAO

The Mary Sue has reached out to Bynum via email for comment.

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