She Strengthens

The Risks of Getting Inked During Pregnancy

If you’re expecting, you might be considering a tattoo to commemorate this special time in your life. But before you make a decision, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks.

Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?

Technically, there’s no law or medical recommendation against getting a tattoo during pregnancy. However, most medical professionals advise against it. Board-certified dermatologist Tanya Kormeili, MD, FAAD, explains, “As a precaution, we only perform necessary procedures during pregnancy and wait until after childbirth for elective procedures like tattoos.”

Finding a Willing Tattoo Artist

You might face another challenge: finding a tattoo artist willing to work with a pregnant client. Laura Reed, OD, CPCP, FAAM, a former optometric physician turned cosmetic and medical tattooist, notes, “In the permanent cosmetics industry, it’s standard practice to avoid tattooing pregnant or breastfeeding women.”

Why Wait?

There are compelling reasons to delay getting a tattoo until after giving birth. One significant concern is the increased risk of infection, which can be more severe during pregnancy. Up to 6% of people develop an infection from a new tattoo, and your chances may be higher due to a compromised immune system.

Infection Risks

A tattoo is essentially a wound, making it vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. In some cases, the ink itself can be contaminated with microbes. This increases the risk of skin infections, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Certain medications used to treat infections may be toxic to the growing fetus.

Heavy Metals and Fetal Development

Some tattoo inks contain heavy metals like cadmium and lead, which can potentially harm fetal growth and development. While the exact risks are unknown, experts agree that exposure to these metals can have adverse effects.

Breastfeeding and Tattoo Chemicals

There’s also a theoretical risk of tattoo chemicals leaching into breast milk, particularly with fresh tattoos. This could be a concern if you plan to breastfeed.

A Safe Alternative: Henna

If you still want to celebrate your pregnancy with body art, consider temporary henna tattoos. This semi-permanent, vegetable-based dye is a safe alternative to permanent tattoos. Just avoid black henna, which contains a coal-tar dye that can cause allergic reactions and skin burns.

The Bottom Line

It’s recommended to wait until after childbirth, and possibly longer if you plan to breastfeed, before getting a tattoo. The risks associated with infection and heavy metals in tattoo ink make it a safer choice to delay this elective procedure.