Is it safe to have a tattoo during pregnancy?
If you’re a fan of body art, you may feel like celebrating your pregnancy with a new tattoo, but you’re unlikely to find a tattoo artist willing to do it. Though the ink itself is safe for use during pregnancy, you have an increased risk of infection and so pregnant women are advised to avoid tattoos for the duration of pregnancy. If you got a tattoo before you found out you were pregnant, don’t worry – there’s nothing you can do about it now so just keep an eye out for any signs of infection.
What if I already have a tattoo?
An existing tattoo won’t cause you any problems during pregnancy, though depending on its location it may stretch as your body changes. If the tattoo is on your tummy, you may find it grows with your bump.
Is it safe to have a body piercing during pregnancy?
Pregnant women are advised against new body piercings during pregnancy, again because of the increased risk of infection.
What if I already have a piercing?
Your existing piercings won’t cause any problems for your developing baby, however some may begin to feel uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses. The advice differs for each piercing, so read through the list to find out how to look after your piercings during pregnancy:
- Belly rings – if your belly ring begins to feel tight as your bump grows, you may wish to take it out. If it’s a newer piercing (less than four years old), you may wish to use some Teflon body jewellry to stop the hole from closing.
- Nipple rings – If you have had your piercing for 12-18 months before becoming pregnant, chances are it is healed enough to not cause any problems with pregnancy or breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the ring may feel uncomfortable and should be removed or changed to a teflon type to help the hole remain open. When breastfeeding, you will need to remove your nipple ring as it would be a choking hazard.
- Genital piercings – some women find pregnancy causes extra sensitivity that means their genital piercing is no longer comfortable. If this is the case, remove the piercing. If it’s not bothering you, you can leave it in until closer to your due date. You should remove it before your due date, because it could cause problems during the baby’s birth.
- Other piercings – for any other piercings, use a common sense approach. Some women find that they become ultrasensitive during pregnancy and experience problems with existing piercings. If you notice an existing piercing become red or sore, speak to your health care provider for advice.
Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.
