You might be considering commemorating this unique chapter in your life by getting a tattoo, or perhaps you have concerns about existing tattoos while pregnant. Above all, your priority is ensuring safety for yourself and your baby. This guide will assist you in caring for your current tattoos and deciding whether to get a new one while pregnant.
Safety First
If you decide to get a tattoo, make sure your tattoo artist adheres to these essential guidelines:
- They should be a licensed professional (if your state requires tattoo artist registration).
- They must wear gloves throughout the procedure.
- They should have access to an autoclave, which is necessary for sterilizing equipment.
- The workspace should be clean and sanitized.
- All needles used should be new, disposable, and designated for single use.
- Dressings must be sterile, packaged, and unopened.
- The inks or dyes used for the tattoo should also be in sterile, unopened containers.
- Your artist should be available for the first 24 hours after the tattoo is done, in case you experience any issues.
If you have a tattoo and are concerned about the practices at the establishment where it was done, consider getting tested for Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and Syphilis.
Considerations Before Getting Inked
The primary concern about getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the risk of infection, such as Hepatitis B or HIV. While the likelihood is low, it’s advisable to postpone any tattooing until after your baby is born. There is limited information regarding the safety of tattoo inks during pregnancy. Chemicals in the ink may potentially affect fetal development during the first trimester, but the risks remain largely unknown for the rest of the pregnancy.
Additionally, you may have heard that having a back tattoo could affect your ability to receive an epidural. Few studies have examined the risks associated with back tattoos and epidurals, and so far, no conclusive evidence has shown that there are significant risks. Most anesthesiologists are comfortable administering an epidural to women with back tattoos. However, if you’re considering an epidural and have a tattoo on your back, it’s wise to check with the hospital about their policies concerning tattoos and epidurals.
It’s also worth noting that while nursing, there is a slight risk of transmitting an infection to your baby, though this risk is minimal. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but many women choose to wait until they are no longer breastfeeding to get new tattoos.
What About Henna?
For centuries, women in places like Egypt and India have adorned their pregnant bellies with beautiful henna designs, believed to bring good fortune during pregnancy. If you’re interested in this temporary alternative, be cautious about the type of henna used. Safe, natural henna colors the skin orange, red, brown, or chocolate, and lasts from one to four weeks. However, true natural henna does not come in black.
Be absolutely certain that your artist uses pure, natural products and avoids black henna. Black henna contains para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause burns, blisters, and severe reactions that can linger for months and are difficult to treat.
If you have any concerns about an existing tattoo or henna, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
For additional insights on pregnancy-related topics, you might find it interesting to check out posts like Why Does My Baby Kick More at Night?. And if you’re exploring family-building options, Resolve offers excellent resources.
In summary, while tattoos can be a meaningful way to celebrate your journey into motherhood, it’s important to consider safety first. Whether you’re contemplating a new design or managing existing ink, prioritize health for you and your baby.
For those interested in alternative family-building methods, services like Vegas Pregnancy for sperm donor matching and Make a Mom for at-home insemination can be great options to explore.
For a comprehensive look at how at-home insemination works, visit Make a Mom’s How It Works. And if you want to delve deeper into the world of tattoos and pregnancy, check out Modern Family Blog for expert insights.