Many of the things an expectant mother does to her body can affect the developing baby. If you are considering getting a tattoo while pregnant, know that there are risks involved. It is best to wait until after delivery to get a tattoo, according to the March of Dimes Foundation. Even if you do decide to get tattooed, it may be difficult to find someone who will do it. Many tattoo artists will not tattoo a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Risks
The biggest risk associated with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the possibility of contracting diseases like Hepatitis B or HIV, according to the American Pregnancy Association. If you contract an infectious disease from a dirty needle while pregnant, you could pass the infection along to your baby.
It is not known whether the chemicals in tattoo dyes and ink are harmful to a developing baby. If they are, the risk of damage would be highest in the first trimester of pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes Foundation. Tattooing always carries a small risk of infection or allergic reaction, and these conditions may be harder for your immune system to fight during pregnancy.
Considerations
A fresh lower-back tattoo might prevent you from having an epidural during childbirth. Older tattoos may be pierced with the epidural needle, but some anesthesiologists may not perform the procedure on a new tattoo because of the risk of infection.
Safety Tips
If you decide to get a tattoo during pregnancy, check that the practitioner is registered, if your state registers tattoo artists. They must also use new, disposable, single-use needles. All ink and bandages must be sterile and unopened, and the artist should wear gloves. The facility must have an autoclave for sterilizing equipment, and the building should appear clean.
Alternatives
In some countries, henna is used to temporarily decorate the skin during pregnancy. Natural henna is safe to use, according to the American Pregnancy Association, but preparations that are not all-natural can be harmful. Black henna, for instance, is a dangerous preparation that can cause serious reactions.
Warning
If you have been tattooed during pregnancy and suspect the practitioner did not follow proper safety procedures, ask your doctor to test you for infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis. If the tattooed area develops signs of infection, such as increasing redness or tenderness, swollen lymph nodes or discharge, or if you develop a fever after getting a tattoo, see your doctor promptly.
