Tattoos During Pregnancy: Everything You Need To Know
When you've spent years tattooing, you'll often find a range of common questions artists are asked, including questions that revolve around tattoos during pregnancy. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions for pregnancy tattoos so that we can answer them all in one place: this blog. Let's get into it!
Is it okay to get a tattoo while pregnant?
The general consensus for most medical professionals is to avoid getting any new tattoos when pregnant. While there is no definitive data on tattoos being unsafe during pregnancy, the risk of potential harm from body trauma and minor blood loss is better avoided until after you've given birth.
There are other risks you may face getting a tattoo while pregnant, including skin infection. It's impossible to know how your body might react to body trauma of needles entering your skin and creating fresh wounds. Additionally, if you were to get tattooed in unsanitary conditions, you're also at risk of diseases like Hepatitis.
You might find yourself asking "What if I want to do it anyway?" and the simple answer is: There are no legal rules here, but some things you might want to consider are whether your artist will be comfortable tattooing someone who is pregnant and to ensure you follow all of the safest practices possible when it comes to hygiene to keep yourself as far from harm as possible. We'd suggest waiting until after you've given birth if you are wanting a tattoo though!
Can I have a tattoo removed during pregnancy?
Laser tattoo removal, much like getting a tattoo, causes trauma to the body and can put your body at risk of infection. It's generally recommended to avoid all tattooing AND laser removal while carrying a child.
What can I do while I wait for it to be safe to get tattooed again?
If you're pregnant and have been looking forward to getting a tattoo but have now decided to hold off until you've given birth, this is the perfect time to start planning on all your tattoos. Use platforms like Pinterest, follow our artist's social media pages (and others, too! There are so many incredible Brisbane tattoo artists), and keep your eyes peeled for inspiration, reference images, and conceptual ideas for planning your own tattoos moving forward.
How will my tattoos be affected by my pregnancy?
Tattoos around the stomach can change in appearance as the skin stretches out to hold a baby. However, this is different for all mothers-to-be. The level of change can vary from person to person. There is also the potential of a C-section scar impacting the appearance of your tattoo if you have one in that area. Ultimately, between weight gain and the stretching of the skin, there's a chance you will experience some change in any tattoos within that area, but the specific changes are unpredictable and will vary between different people.
What are the risks of getting tattooed while pregnant?
If you're pregnant, you might be going through increased skin sensitivity due to hormones fluctuating, which can affect the way ink holds in the skin and the pain you might experience while being tattooed. There's also an increased risk of allergic reactions that you wouldn't find when you're not pregnant.
Is it safe for a tattoo artist to work while pregnant?
If you're the artist behind the ink and you're wondering if you can continue to tattoo clients while pregnant, the answer is yes, but be your usual, careful self. Take the standard precautions of practicing proper hygiene, wearing gloves, using sterilised equipment, and ensuring your work environment is clean at all times.
If you have any concerns, you must contact your preferred doctor to discuss what's on your mind!