Tattoos, piercings and pregnancy: what you need to know

Getting a tattoo or a piercing during pregnancy raises a number of questions, particularly when it comes to safety and precautions. Between the risk of infection, skin reactions and the potential impact on your baby, it's important to be well informed before making a decision.

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What is a tattoo?

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A tattoo involves introducing pigment into the dermis to create a permanent design. Using a tattoo machine - a device fitted with fine needles - the ink is inserted under the skin through superficial micro-punctures (1 to 4 mm). The depth varies depending on the area and the quality of the skin. Small droplets of blood may appear, as they would with a scrape.

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The health risks associated with tattooing:

• Health authorities (the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and Health Canada here) do not regulate tattoo ink and pigments, since they are considered cosmetic products.
• There is therefore no mandatory standard, and the exact composition of the inks remains unknown. The scientific literature also mentions two absolute contraindications to tattooing: pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Most inks contain chemicals or heavy metals that may be potentially toxic to the baby, which is why they are best avoided. ‍
• The lack of oversight also increases the risk of infection when the skin barrier is broken: about 1 to 5% of tattooed people develop a bacterial superinfection, usually linked to the skin's normal bacteria. Each micro-puncture can also expose you to more serious infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV).‍
• Choosing a tattoo artist who follows strict hygiene rules and uses quality equipment is therefore essential.

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It's better to use black ink or 100% natural pigments, since industrial inks can contain metals that are harmful to your health. Aluminum, barium, iron, mercury, lead, copper, arsenic, cobalt, nickel or selenium can be absorbed by the body and be associated with certain health problems: cancers, skin conditions, eczema, hives or allergies. Even temporary tattoos can contain them.

So it's best to ask questions about the products used before getting a tattoo, so you can make an informed decision.

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The risks of tattooing for pregnant women

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Tattoos should be avoided throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. To date, no study shows any additional risk for women who were already tattooed before pregnancy, but there is a significant lack of data on tattoos done during pregnancy or breastfeeding. More research is needed to establish precise recommendations.

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• Late in pregnancy, since the immune system is more fragile, an infection may be less well controlled. Tattooing also increases the risk of transmitting serious viral infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV).
• The drop in blood pressure in pregnant women increases the risk of low blood pressure or fainting, especially when staying in one position for a long time.
• Tattooing is also a physical stress that can trigger contractions or preterm labour.
• Pregnancy hormones change the texture of the skin, which can lead to allergic reactions or an unpredictable skin response to the pigments.

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It's therefore recommended that you wait until after the birth and the end of breastfeeding before getting a tattoo. Ideally, waiting until your weight is more stable also helps avoid the tattoo becoming distorted. Tattoo removal isn't advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding either.

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Epidurals and tattoos

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Many pregnant women with a lower back tattoo worry about whether they can still receive an epidural. As a precaution, anesthesiologists avoid inserting the needle directly into the ink when its composition is unknown. That said, a lower back tattoo generally doesn't prevent an epidural from being performed.

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C-sections and tattoos

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During a c-section, the surgery will be performed even if a tattoo is located at the incision site. Out of medical necessity, the procedure takes priority in order to avoid any complications for the mother or the baby.

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Piercings and pregnancy

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The recommendations for piercings during pregnancy are the same as for tattoos. If you already have a navel, nipple or vulva piercing, it's best to remove it as of the second trimester to avoid discomfort, pain, redness, itching or allergic reactions, which are more common because of the skin changes linked to pregnancy.

All in all, even though tattoos and piercings are forms of personal expression, pregnancy is a time when caution is called for. Between the risk of infection, body changes and medical recommendations, it's often better to wait until after the birth to modify your body safely. If the urge persists, choose an experienced professional who uses 100% natural products.

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