A reputable piercing parlor won't pierce you if they know you're pregnant because doing so is not worth the risk. It's best to plan your next piercing for at least three months after you've had your baby. For these same reasons, doctors also advise against women getting new tattoos while pregnant.
If you want to get a tattoo while pregnant, do your research and find a reputable shop before booking an appointment. Many artists won't tattoo on pregnant women, so be sure to inform the shop and your artist ahead of time to avoid any last-minute issues.
The main concern with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the risk of contracting an infection, such as Hepatitis B and HIV. Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born.
“If the tattoo artist uses non-sterile or contaminated needles, a woman may risk exposing herself and her fetus to infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. All of these infections can be passed from the pregnant person to the fetus and can have lifelong effects,” adds Purdie.
It is suggested that mothers wait at least until 9-12 months after birth, when the child is no longer dependent solely on breastmilk before getting a tattoo. Reputable tattoo artists will have a waiver for the client to sign that asks about pregnancy and breastfeeding.
However, no negative impacts to babies have been reported after a mother has received a tattoo when breastfeeding. The risk of a baby being exposed to infection via breastmilk is likely to be very low, especially in tattoo studios where hygiene is strict and everything is sterilised.
Overall, the health of your growing baby should be of the upmost importance to you. And for that reason, we strongly discourage anyone from getting tattooed while they're pregnant or breastfeeding. Even though the risks of complications are small, why take any chance at all?
"While there is currently no scientific evidence that suggests that the ink used in tattoos can cross the placenta, there are still some risks associated with this procedure," says Dr. Nisarg Patel, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynecology) at ClinicSpots.
It's unknown exactly how long it takes for all of the ink particles to be removed from the body, but it is thought to be a process that could take years. In the meantime, the ink particles that do circulate through the body are believed to be harmless.
When you are pregnant, your immune system is weaker, which makes you more susceptible to infections: "So, we recommend against getting piercings," explains Saunders. Even though the risk is extraordinarily small, reputable professional piercing parlors will not pierce a pregnant person, says Saunders.
The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. Most research, although limited, shows it's safe to colour your hair while pregnant.
It is suggested that mothers wait at least 6 months to a year to give their bodies a chance to recover completely from childbirth before getting a tattoo.
Because tattooing uses needles, it can – when not done with sterile technique – pass blood-borne infections such as HIV (which can be passed on to your baby through breast milk) or hepatitis (which can theoretically transfer to your baby through breastfeeding if your nipples are cracked).
The consensus in recent years was that Botox, for cosmetic purposes, should be avoided in expectant mothers as there is not a medical need for these injections.
Electrolytes, vitamins, and water. Sodium and chloride ions are mainly transferred across the placenta by passive diffusion, although active transport may have a role. Calcium ions, iron, and vitamins are transferred by active carrier-mediated transport.
The immunoglobulin, which cannot pass through placenta and such foetus is IgM.
Lead, cobalt, arsenic and selenium appear to pass the placental barrier by a diffusion mechanism.
Risk of Infection
Infection is the most significant risk of getting a tattoo before plastic surgery since tattoos are made by depositing ink into the skin via needles. An active skin infection can create complications leading to more severe conditions and needing revision surgery.
Can I have a tattoo during treatment? Yes, you can have a tattoo during your treatment. However please bear in mind any procedure like this can increase the risk of infection. We do not advise you to have a tattoo after your embryo transfer.
There are no contraindications to getting tattooed prior or after cosmetic surgery as long as recovery and scar healing periods are respected. Your surgeon will be the most suitable person to give you information on those periods depending on your skin quality, habits and healing process.
Are There Health Risks for Having a Piercing While Pregnant? Yes, there are health risks. Infection is very common when the piercing has not been properly cared for. Contraction of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS can occur from the use of non-sterile instruments or supplies.
There is little evidence surrounding the safety of nipple piercings and breastfeeding. Breastfeeding with nipple piercings in place can potentially cause choking and/or damage to the infant's mouth. While breastfeeding with previously pierced holes may be problematic if there is scarring or nerve damage.
Can You Get a Nipple Piercing While Breastfeeding? Most reputable piercers will not knowingly pierce a pregnant or lactating client's nipples due to the infection risk. Nipple piercings can take up one full year to heal completely, and during that time, they're 20% more likely to get infected.
A mom can donate if she has had tattoos, piercing and acupuncture in the past 12 months. The procedures must have been performed using single-use sterile needles.