C-Section Day: What You Can and Cannot Do

Can you wear nail polish to a caesarean section?

The short answer is: light colours only. Dark shades — black, brown, blue, purple — and gel nails can interfere with the pulse oximeter clipped to your finger during surgery. The device uses light to measure oxygen levels, and dark pigments absorb that light, giving an inaccurate reading. Nude or pale polish is fine; acrylic (acrigel) nails are not recommended at any stage of pregnancy.

Is make-up allowed in the operating room?

There is no formal ban, but moderation is key. Heavy foundation on the cheeks and lips can mask the skin and lip colour that the surgical team monitors as a health indicator. A light, natural look is the practical compromise.

Why must all jewellery come off?

No exceptions here: rings, earrings, piercings and any metal on the body must be removed — including your wedding band. The electric scalpel used during a caesarean carries a risk of conducting current through metal on the skin, potentially causing burns. Obstetrician Leonardo Coelho, coordinator of the Emergency and Outpatient Unit at Maternidade Brasília (Rede Américas), also advises removing rings in the final weeks of pregnancy, because late-stage hand oedema can make removal difficult or even impossible on the day.

What are the fasting rules before a caesarean?

The American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines recommend that pregnant women scheduled for surgery avoid solid food for a specific number of hours beforehand. Always confirm the exact cut-off time with your obstetrician, as individual protocols may vary.

Key checklist before you leave for the hospital

• Remove dark or gel nail polish; opt for nude or light shades.
• Keep make-up minimal — no heavy coverage on lips or cheeks.
• Take off all jewellery, including your wedding ring, before arrival.
• Follow your doctor's personalised fasting instructions.