Can You Get a Tattoo When You’re Pregnant?

There seems to be two kind of people in the world: those that don’t like tattoos and those that really love them. I’ve not met someone who has been in the middle of that, though they probably do exist. If you are one of those who love tattoos, get one and already have plans for another, you’ve probably wondered can you get a tattoo while pregnant. Because when you have an itch for an idea, it’s hard to put that on the back burner so that you can gestate. Obviously that’s what you’ll do, but is it safe to get a tattoo while you’re pregnant?

[Also read: 21 of the Coolest Tattoos We’ve Ever Seen for the Pop Culture Obsessed]

Let’s take a look.

Can you get a tattoo while pregnant_

According to American Pregnancy there is very little information known on whether tattoo dye enters the bloodstream and goes to the fetus. Probably because doing a safety study on tattoos and pregnant women is not exactly the safest thing to do.

This leaves many people wondering can you get a tattoo while pregnant?

And the short answer is: well, maybe? The full answer is that most tattoo shops have their own guidelines when it comes to their decisions on tattooing a pregnant person. Most will advice that it’s safest to wait. Because you’re going to be asking your body to do some healing while the tattoo heals and that puts a lot of stress on even the healthiest of bodies. And when you are pregnant, you are already asking your body to do a whole lot.

So probs best to wait.

But, for some reason if you’re not going to wait, can’t wait, whatever that is — SAFETY is very important. American Pregnancy advises that you check out, research, ask all the questions on safety and sterilization from the tattoo shop and artist you will be going to.

“The main concern with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the risk of contracting an infection, such as Hepatitis B and HIV,” the site advises. Adding, “Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born.”

[Also read: Can You Take a Bubble Bath During Pregnancy? Please Say Yes, Please Say Yes!]

So, yes that itch for a tattoo is a strong one. But out of super safety, best to wait. Color on your belly with markers — or where ever it is that you want tattooed — until your baby has safely arrived. Also… not all tattoo places will recommend tattoos while you’re breastfeeding. So make sure you research that too.

(Image: iStock / YakobchukOlena)

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