How tattoos and body piercings affect pregnancy

1. Should you get a tattoo or piercing?

If you’re thinking of getting one, wait until your baby has arrived and you’ve finished breast-feeding. Reputable tattooists won’t work on pregnant women, as your immune system is under stress and you’re at greater risk of a possible bad reaction, says Durban tattoo artist Jake de Gaye. Of course, using an inferior tattoo parlour can put you at risk of serious blood-borne infections, so make sure you use the best artists around.

2. Care for your existing tattoo

An existing, healed tattoo won’t affect your growing baby, but your baby can affect it, as your skin stretches – especially over your belly, hips and breasts. Help preserve tattoos by moisturising your skin twice daily with a good over-the-counter lotion or baby oil, but much will depend on your genetics, says Durban dermatologist, Dr Imraan Jhetam. If your skin stretches any way, you can sometimes have the tattoo reworked and recoloured later, perhaps with a different design, says De Gaye.

3. Alert your gynae about back tattoos

The only existing tattoo that may cause complications is one over your lower spine, if an epidural is required. A review in the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal noted a potential risk in inserting the needle through tattooed skin, as it could transfer dye into the spinal canal. Alert your gynaecologist or anaesthetist well in advance to the existence of a tattoo located on your lower spine.

4. What about belly rings?

If you already have a belly ring, this can become uncomfortably tight as your belly swells. Replace the metal ring or barbell with a larger size, or with flexible Teflon (PTFE), plastic or silicon body jewellery, or otherwise simply thread through fishing gut to keep the hole open, suggests De Gaye. Alternatively, let it close and perhaps have it repierced later. The important thing is to keep the piercing clean to prevent infection. “As the skin stretches, the piercing may create a new wound,” says Jhetam. Keep it clean by washing regularly with soap and warm water. “Avoid spirits and disinfectants as these may irritate the skin.”

5. And nipple rings?

If you already have a nipple piercing, remove it well before birth as it can become painful as your breasts become more sensitive and your milk comes in; the piercing may even leak milk. A nipple ring or barbell will also interfere with latching and feeding, and put your baby at risk of mouth injury. Remove it, and reassess later.

6. Can you have other piercings?

If you have a genital piercing, it can become painful, as pregnancy encourages extra blood flow, engorgement and sensitivity. It’s best to remove it before check-ups, and especially before your due date – most gynaecologists insist on this. Why risk getting a ring or barbell caught on instruments – or worse, tearing?  If you have a nose or tongue ring, it’s best to remove it before childbirth, as it can get in the way should you need a general anaesthetic.

Even once baby is weaned, keep in mind that piercings with body jewellery can get in the way, as little hands love to tug at shiny items.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com