Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born. Little information is available about the safety of skin dyes used for tattooing during pregnancy. It is possible that the chemicals in the dye may affect the development of the baby during the first 12 weeks.
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?
“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.
"Because of the many potential risks for mother and fetus, my advice is to avoid tattooing for women trying to conceive, throughout pregnancy, and until completion of breastfeeding," noted Dr. Tsur. Transmission of disease and infection are the primary concerns.
Nazarian advised against it. You may run a small risk of developing an infection or allergic reaction. Both of those outcomes are potentially harmful or can unnecessarily complicate your pregnancy. If you get a tattoo during pregnancy, take precautions to stay safe.
Most research, although limited, shows it's safe to colour your hair while pregnant. Some studies have found that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm. However, these doses are massive compared with the very low amount of chemicals you may be exposed to when colouring your hair.
No, having a tattoo that's already healed shouldn't cause any problems for you or your baby during pregnancy. You may find that your tattoo changes while you're pregnant, though. Chloasma (brown pigmentation that happens during pregnancy) can affect the color of a tattoo, for example.
“After pregnancy, the body needs to heal,” Dr. Friedler says. “So, it's a good idea to wait at least 9 to 12 months before getting a tattoo if you want to breastfeed.”
During pregnancy, your abdomen and breasts expand as your skin stretches to accommodate baby and all of the extra blood and fluids that are a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. These changes can actually change the appearance of existing tattoos, which may not return to normal post-pregnancy.
Infection. One of the main risks of being tattooed is the chance of an infection. If your tattoo artist uses contaminated or dirty needles, you could be at risk of getting bloodborne infections, such as hepatitis B. A mother with hepatitis B can easily pass on the infection to her baby at birth.
"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.
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.
Infections can harm your unborn or nursing child, so it's important to wait to receive a tattoo. Additionally, your body must have time to heal after a tattoo, and you should put it under the stress of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Cover-up tattoos are the most common tattoos people get inked over existing tattoos and birthmarks. This type of tattoo is generally used to cover up very distasteful tattoos that are unbecoming. For some people, getting a tattoo over a birthmark is a great way to create a unique design for your body.
Most tattoo artists will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant or nursing mother out of an abundance of caution. If you're a nursing mom, the La Leche League recommends you wait until your baby is 9 to 12 months old and not wholly dependent on breast milk before you get a new tattoo.
"If you got tattooed and didn't yet know you were pregnant, then don't stress it too much,” says Barbara. “The risk of infection is small, but to clear your mind, you can always speak to a doctor. But do not get tattooed if you know you're pregnant.
The stencil tattoo — which is not permanent — confused many viewers, causing them to leave negative comments condemning the tattoo artist. “Hell nah I would never do that,” said one user. “Are they FR por baby,” another said. “You can't tattoo a child under 18 years old!
It's safe to get acrylic nails during pregnancy, though you may want to avoid them if your nails are weaker than usual. During pregnancy, you may experience nail changes. Your nails may grow faster and stronger, so it might be really nice to get them done.
Some people wonder if you can get your nails done during pregnancy since polishes and polish removers contain many chemicals. Most experts agree that manicures and pedicures are safe during pregnancy. If you go to a professional salon with good safety standards, you can enjoy some pampering while you're expecting.
When a person is pregnant, the hormones in their body are likely to alter their scent in some way. So, can dogs sense pregnancy? Because of their keen sense of smell, it's believed by many that a dog can detect a change in a pregnant person even before they do — but it's mostly conjecture.
Until we know more about how caffeine can affect pregnancy, it's best to limit the amount you get to 200 milligrams each day. This is about the amount in 1½ 8-ounce cups of coffee or one 12-ounce cup of coffee. Be sure to check the size of your cup to know how much caffeine you're getting.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives
Just because you can't get Botox while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, that doesn't mean you have to throw your anti-aging regimen out the window. There are safe alternatives you can use to help keep your skin looking its best.
The body's immune system undergoes serious changes during pregnancy. These changes have a negative effect on healing, and may even prevent piercings received shortly before becoming pregnant from finishing healing. Sometimes even healed piercing will act up while you are pregnant.