The Guidelines for Getting a Tattoo While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Tattoos are a popular form of body art that can express your personality, style, or beliefs. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may wonder if getting a tattoo is safe for you and your baby. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaway

The main takeaway is that getting a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding is not recommended by most health experts and tattoo artists. This is because there are potential risks of infection, allergic reaction, and exposure to harmful substances that could affect your health and your baby’s development. Therefore, it is advisable to wait until you are done with pregnancy and breastfeeding before getting a tattoo.

Example

Let’s say you are a breastfeeding mother who wants to get a tattoo to commemorate your baby’s birth. You may be tempted to go ahead and get inked, but you should consider the following risks:

• Infection: Getting a tattoo involves breaking the skin with a needle, which can introduce bacteria, viruses, or fungi into your bloodstream. These can cause local or systemic infections, such as hepatitis, HIV, tetanus, or MRSA. Some of these infections can be transmitted to your baby through breast milk or skin contact. Infection can also complicate the healing process of your tattoo and cause scarring or damage to your skin.
• Allergic reaction: Tattoo ink is not regulated by the FDA and can contain various chemicals, metals, or pigments that can trigger an allergic reaction. This can cause itching, swelling, redness, or rash on or around your tattoo. In some cases, an allergic reaction can be severe and require medical attention. An allergic reaction can also affect your baby if you are breastfeeding, as some of the substances in the ink may pass into your breast milk.
• Exposure to harmful substances: Tattoo ink can also contain substances that are toxic or carcinogenic, such as lead, cadmium, cobalt, or manganese. These can accumulate in your body and affect your organs, such as your liver, kidneys, or nervous system. They can also cross the placenta or enter your breast milk and affect your baby’s growth, development, or behavior.

Actionable Step

If you decide to get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding, you should take the following steps to minimize the risks:

• Choose a reputable tattoo artist and studio that follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Make sure they use sterile equipment, disposable gloves, and single-use ink and needles. Check their credentials, reviews, and portfolio before booking an appointment.
• Inform your tattoo artist that you are pregnant or breastfeeding and ask them about their policy and experience. Some tattoo artists may refuse to tattoo you or ask you to sign a waiver to release them from liability. Others may have specific recommendations or precautions for you to follow.
• Consult your doctor before and after getting a tattoo. Your doctor can advise you on the possible risks and complications of getting a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding. They can also monitor your health and your baby’s health and prescribe any medications or treatments that are safe and compatible with breastfeeding.
• Care for your tattoo properly and watch for any signs of infection or allergic reaction. Follow the aftercare instructions given by your tattoo artist, such as keeping your tattoo clean, dry, and protected from the sun. Avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing your tattoo. Contact your doctor or tattoo artist if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as fever, pain, pus, or swelling.

Quiz

To test your understanding of the guidelines for getting a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding, answer the following questions:

1. Why is getting a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding not recommended?
   • A) Because it can cause infection, allergic reaction, or exposure to harmful substances that can affect your health and your baby’s health.
   • B) Because it can make your skin stretch, sag, or change color and ruin your tattoo.
   • C) Because it can interfere with your milk production, supply, or quality and affect your breastfeeding.
   • D) All of the above.
   • Answer: A
2. What should you look for when choosing a tattoo artist and studio if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
   • A) Their credentials, reviews, and portfolio.
   • B) Their hygiene and safety standards, such as using sterile equipment, disposable gloves, and single-use ink and needles.
   • C) Their policy and experience regarding tattooing pregnant or breastfeeding women.
   • D) All of the above.
   • Answer: D
3. What should you do before and after getting a tattoo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
   • A) Consult your doctor and inform your tattoo artist.
   • B) Care for your tattoo properly and watch for any signs of infection or allergic reaction.
   • C) Avoid any medications or treatments that are not safe or compatible with breastfeeding.
   • D) All of the above.
   • Answer: D