Can you get a tattoo while pregnant? Doctor Weighs In

Yes, you can get a tattoo while pregnant, but I’m sure you’re not just looking for a simple yes or no answer. You’re here because you want an expert opinion on whether it’s safe to go ahead and get that tattoo you’ve been dreaming about or if it’s better to wait for the next 9 months (or longer).

As a tattoo lover myself, trust me, I totally understand your desire to commemorate those precious pregnancy milestones—the due date, the first heartbeat, the first ultrasound—what better way to mark these unforgettable moments than with a piece of meaningful ink? But the real question is: Is it safe to get a tattoo while pregnant?

In this article, I will provide you with an in-depth guide on getting a tattoo during pregnancy, offering key insights to help you make a well-informed decision.

Risks associated with getting a tattoo while pregnant

As women, we naturally tend to be extra cautious during pregnancy, always wanting to make the best choices for our health and the well-being of our baby. This is when Google becomes our go-to source for answers, leading to endless searches like, “Can I do this?” and “Is it safe to do that?” And just like any other activity, getting a tattoo while pregnant comes with its own set of risks that deserve careful consideration.

Getting a tattoo while pregnant can expose you to serious infections, especially if the tattoo studio isn’t hygienic or if shared equipment is used. Sharing needles, ink, or neglecting proper aftercare can increase your risk of contracting infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or even HIV, which can pose serious risks to both you and your baby.¹

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B and C are contagious infections caused by viruses that attack the liver. They are transmitted when the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person enter the body of someone who is not infected. This makes activities like sharing needles, unsterilized tattoo equipment, or engaging in unprotected sex potential risk factors.

Hepatitis B is especially concerning during pregnancy as it can be passed to the baby during childbirth, with an estimated 90% of babies born to mothers with hepatitis B becoming chronically infected if not treated. ²Hepatitis C is less likely to be transmitted to the baby (about 5-10%), but the risk is still present ³.
Both infections can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer if left untreated, highlighting the importance of clean tattoo practices to avoid exposure.

HIV

HIV can be transmitted through tattoos, particularly if proper hygiene and sterilization practices are not followed. If tattoo needles, ink, or other equipment are shared between clients, there is a risk of HIV transmission, especially if one of the individuals is HIV-positive. The virus can be present in the blood left on needles or equipment, making the tattooing process a potential source of infection if sanitation protocols are neglected.
An HIV-positive pregnant woman has a 15% to 45% chance of transmitting the virus to her baby if no preventative measures are taken.⁴ The virus can also be transmitted to the baby during breastfeeding.

Allergic reactions

Some women may experience an allergic reaction to the ingredients in tattoo ink, which can lead to inflammation at the tattoo site. Symptoms may include itching, blisters, pain, swelling, and even fever.⁵

While the safety of tattoos during pregnancy remains uncertain due to limited research on skin dyes, some studies suggest that certain chemicals in tattoo inks could potentially impact fetal development, especially during the first trimester when the baby’s organs are forming.⁶

Skin changes during pregnancy

Depending on where it’s located, a tattoo done during pregnancy may appear different after childbirth due to changes in weight and skin stretching. As your skin stretches to accommodate your growing baby, areas like your belly, thighs, or breasts may undergo significant changes. Once the baby is born, the skin may shrink back, causing the tattoo to distort or lose its original shape and clarity. This is especially true in areas prone to stretching, where the design could become stretched out or uneven over time.

Skin sensitivity

Ever noticed how your skin feels more sensitive during pregnancy? This is largely due to the hormonal changes your body undergoes, particularly the increase in progesterone and estrogen.⁷ These hormones can cause your skin to become more reactive, making it more prone to irritation or reactions to external factors like tattoo ink, needles, and even the aftercare products used for healing.⁸ As a result, your body may respond more intensely to these elements, leading to redness, swelling, or itching at the tattoo site, which could complicate the healing process and potentially increase the risk of infection.

Inability to receive epidurals

Word has been going around that if you have a tattoo on your lower back, then you, my friend, cannot get an epidural during childbirth. However, there is limited research on the correlation between having a back tattoo and the ability to receive an epidural.⁶ Hence, there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that back tattoos interfere with the epidural process.

So, if you are sporting a back tattoo, don’t stress! If you’re planning on an epidural, simply discuss it with your obstetrician or anesthesiologist to ensure the best plan for your delivery. Every situation is unique, so they’ll help guide you through it with the safest options for both you and your baby.

Best Trimester to get a tattoo

While there are no definitive guidelines on the best time to get a tattoo while pregnant, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks. Some studies suggest that chemicals in tattoo inks may impact fetal development, particularly during the first 12 weeks.⁶ However, this data is inconclusive, and further research is needed to fully understand the potential effects.

Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?

There is no available data on the safety of getting a tattoo while breastfeeding. However, there are theoretical concerns about the potential transmission of pigments or infections to the infant through breastfeeding.⁹

As a healthcare professional, I strongly advise waiting until you are done breastfeeding before getting a tattoo. In some states in the U.S., blood donations are prohibited for up to three months after getting a tattoo to prevent infection from non-sterile practices.¹⁰ Similarly, the same caution should apply when considering a tattoo while breastfeeding to protect both you and your baby from potential infections.

Tattoos, if not done in a sterile environment, can lead to infections such as hepatitis or HIV, which are serious health concerns. While hepatitis isn’t transmitted through breastfeeding, HIV can be, posing a significant risk to your baby.

 How to Safely Prepare for Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant

If you have carefully considered the benefits and risks and have decided to go ahead with getting a tattoo while pregnant, remember that the decision is ultimately yours to make. Here are some important preparations to keep in mind:

• Speak with your doctor or midwife to confirm if getting a tattoo is safe for you and your baby, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or skin sensitivity.
• Choose a licensed, experienced tattoo artist with a strong reputation for safety, and check reviews, their portfolio, and recommendations, ensuring they have worked with pregnant clients before.
• Visit the tattoo studio to assess cleanliness, confirming that workspaces are disinfected, surfaces are non-porous, and the environment is well-maintained.
• Verify that the parlor uses an autoclave for sterilizing reusable equipment and that single-use needles, ink cups, and gloves are opened in your presence.
• Wait until your second trimester when miscarriage risks are lower and avoid tattoos in the third trimester to minimize the effects of skin stretching.
• Ask your tattoo artist about the safety of their inks, ensuring they are non-toxic, chemical-free, and safe for sensitive skin.
• Select a tattoo placement that won’t be significantly affected by pregnancy-related skin stretching, such as avoiding areas like the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
• Follow all aftercare instructions carefully to prevent infections and ensure proper healing during pregnancy.

Summary

Getting a tattoo can be a meaningful way to commemorate pregnancy milestones. However, it comes with potential risks for both the mother and the unborn baby. These risks include the possibility of infections like hepatitis or HIV due to unsterile equipment, allergic reactions to tattoo ink, and changes in the skin that could distort the tattoo after childbirth. Healthcare professionals typically recommend waiting until after childbirth and breastfeeding before getting a tattoo to avoid any complications. If a pregnant woman chooses to proceed, it’s essential to exercise extreme caution, do thorough research, and ensure that the tattoo studio follows strict hygiene and safety

Sources

1. “Infections and Pregnancy | Antibiotics | MedlinePlus.”
2. “Mother-to-child Transmission of Hepatitis B.” World Health Organization (WHO)
3. “Hepatitis C in Pregnancy: Screening, Treatment, and Management.
4. “Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV.” World Health Organization (WHO)
5. “Allergic Reaction to Tattoo Dye.” HealthLink BC – 24/7 Health Advice You Can Trust
6. “Americanpregnancy.org |.” American Pregnancy Association | Expecting with Confidence 
7. “Tattoos: 7 Unexpected Skin Reactions and What to Do About Them.” 
8. “Sensitive Skin During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment & Care.” What to Expect
9. “Tattooing – Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
10. “National Tattoo Day.” American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters