Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRisksOther ConsiderationsSafest Trimester for ItWhile BreastfeedingPreparation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Risks
Other Considerations
Safest Trimester for It
While Breastfeeding
Preparation
Yes, it’s possible to get a tattoo while pregnant. However, as with other activities while pregnant, there are added risks to consider.Not all tattoo artists are willing or able to tattoo pregnant people because of the medical risk, and each state regulates requirements.
Most healthcare providers urge people to wait until after giving birth to get a tattoo to avoid the risk of serious infections likehepatitis Bandhuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV). And if you choose to breastfeed, some even recommend waiting until after that phase too.
This article discusses tattooing during pregnancy to help you make a safe and informed decision.
Carlina Teteris/ Getty Images
Risks of Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant
Tattooing during pregnancy is ultimately your choice. There have been no reported or observed outbreaks ofhepatitis Cthat originated from a professional tattoo establishment.It’s essential to confirm exceptional hygiene and sanitation in a licensed tattoo parlor.
However, there are a few infections that you could be exposed to through needles, shared ink, or improper aftercare.
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Hepatitis B and C
These infections increase the risk of preterm delivery. They also can be transmitted from the person giving birth to the child through infected blood and fluids during labor and delivery.
Some people only contract acute hepatitis B and C, which is a short-term infection, only lasting an average of six months. About 90% of infants infected with hepatitis B will develop a life-long, chronic infection.
These viruses can be life-threatening for newborns, putting them at high risk of becoming carriers, which means they are at higher risk of dying fromliver diseaseorliver cancer.
Hepatitis B and C do not pass to the infant throughbreastfeeding.
HIV
HIVcan be transmitted through shared tattoo equipment via blood and other bodily fluids. HIV impairs the function of the immune system and can develop intoAIDS(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA)
Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus(MRSA) is a bacterial skin infection spread through contact with infected people or things. Left untreated can causesepsis,pneumonia, and other diseases.
With a new tattoo, any contact with an infected artist, non-sterile tools, or equipment can put you at risk.
Allergies
Some people are allergic to the ingredients in ink pigments. Ink allergy symptoms may includeinflammation, fever, trouble breathing, blisters, itchiness, and swelling at the injection site. Ink allergies can develop during and after the tattoo, or even years later.Skin dyes haven’t been studied enough to determine whether they are safe during pregnancy. However, some experts claim chemicals in the dye can affect the fetus during the first trimester.Tattoos can also trigger flairs of skin conditions likepsoriasis.Skin infections typically don’t cause serious problems during pregnancy unless they are severe.
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Other Things to Consider
Tattoos on the stomach may become distorted if placed on a pregnant belly since it will change throughout the pregnancy and after.
If you have underlying conditions likediabetesor HIV, you’re at greater risk of contracting an infection from a tattoo and should double-check with a healthcare provider to determine if getting a tattoo is safe for you.It is also important to be upfront with the tattoo artist about HIV infection.
Safest Trimester to Get Tattooed
Some experts claim chemicals in ink may impact fetus development during the first 12 weeks.However, insufficient research has been done to determine how it may affect the rest of the pregnancy.
If you got tattooed before you knew you were pregnant, consult with your tattoo artist to be sure they used single-use, sterile needles in a sanitary environment. Be vigilant about tattoo aftercare and keep a close eye on your health.
What About Tattoos While Breastfeeding?
How to Prepare for Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant
Here’s how to prep for a safe and healthy tattoo while pregnant:
Summary
Most medical providers urge people to wait until after giving birth and breastfeeding to get a tattoo. While the risk of getting HIV, hepatitis, or MRSA from a licensed tattoo parlor is low, it’s worth being extra cautious. Some of these infections can cause serious issues with fetal development and in newborns. Before you get a tattoo, do your homework and be diligent about hygiene.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lamaze International.Should I get a tattoo while pregnant?.Shimokura GH, Gully PR.Risk of hepatitis c virus infection from tattooing and other skin piercing services.Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 1995;6(5):235-238. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz047The American College Of Obstetrician And Gynecology.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C in pregnancy.Terrault NA, Levy MT, Cheung KW, Jourdain G.Viral hepatitis and pregnancy.Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(2):117-130. doi:10.1038/s41575-020-00361-wCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis b.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B and C infections.World Health Organization.Mother-to-child transmission of hiv.The American College Of Obstetrician and Gynecology.HIV and pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus skin infections among tattoo recipients.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006;55(24):677-679.American Academy of Pediatrics.MRSA and children: Parent faqs.American Pregnancy Association.Tattoos during pregnancy.American Academy Of Dermatology Association.Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them.MedlinePlus.Infections and pregnancy.Martin ET, Kaye KS, Knott C, et al.Diabetes and risk of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2016;37(1):88-99. doi:10.1017/ice.2015.249Tattooing. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lamaze International.Should I get a tattoo while pregnant?.Shimokura GH, Gully PR.Risk of hepatitis c virus infection from tattooing and other skin piercing services.Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 1995;6(5):235-238. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz047The American College Of Obstetrician And Gynecology.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C in pregnancy.Terrault NA, Levy MT, Cheung KW, Jourdain G.Viral hepatitis and pregnancy.Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(2):117-130. doi:10.1038/s41575-020-00361-wCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis b.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B and C infections.World Health Organization.Mother-to-child transmission of hiv.The American College Of Obstetrician and Gynecology.HIV and pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus skin infections among tattoo recipients.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006;55(24):677-679.American Academy of Pediatrics.MRSA and children: Parent faqs.American Pregnancy Association.Tattoos during pregnancy.American Academy Of Dermatology Association.Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them.MedlinePlus.Infections and pregnancy.Martin ET, Kaye KS, Knott C, et al.Diabetes and risk of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2016;37(1):88-99. doi:10.1017/ice.2015.249Tattooing. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lamaze International.Should I get a tattoo while pregnant?.Shimokura GH, Gully PR.Risk of hepatitis c virus infection from tattooing and other skin piercing services.Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 1995;6(5):235-238. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz047The American College Of Obstetrician And Gynecology.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C in pregnancy.Terrault NA, Levy MT, Cheung KW, Jourdain G.Viral hepatitis and pregnancy.Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(2):117-130. doi:10.1038/s41575-020-00361-wCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis b.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B and C infections.World Health Organization.Mother-to-child transmission of hiv.The American College Of Obstetrician and Gynecology.HIV and pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus skin infections among tattoo recipients.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006;55(24):677-679.American Academy of Pediatrics.MRSA and children: Parent faqs.American Pregnancy Association.Tattoos during pregnancy.American Academy Of Dermatology Association.Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them.MedlinePlus.Infections and pregnancy.Martin ET, Kaye KS, Knott C, et al.Diabetes and risk of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2016;37(1):88-99. doi:10.1017/ice.2015.249Tattooing. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Lamaze International.Should I get a tattoo while pregnant?.
Shimokura GH, Gully PR.Risk of hepatitis c virus infection from tattooing and other skin piercing services.Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 1995;6(5):235-238. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz047
The American College Of Obstetrician And Gynecology.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C in pregnancy.
Terrault NA, Levy MT, Cheung KW, Jourdain G.Viral hepatitis and pregnancy.Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(2):117-130. doi:10.1038/s41575-020-00361-w
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis b.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B and C infections.
World Health Organization.Mother-to-child transmission of hiv.
The American College Of Obstetrician and Gynecology.HIV and pregnancy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus skin infections among tattoo recipients.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006;55(24):677-679.
American Academy of Pediatrics.MRSA and children: Parent faqs.
American Pregnancy Association.Tattoos during pregnancy.
American Academy Of Dermatology Association.Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them.
MedlinePlus.Infections and pregnancy.
Martin ET, Kaye KS, Knott C, et al.Diabetes and risk of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2016;37(1):88-99. doi:10.1017/ice.2015.249
Tattooing. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
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