It is not advisable to have a tattoo while you’re pregnant. In fact, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find a tattooist who is willing to give you a tattoo in the first place.
One main reason is that tattoo needles are sharp and can cause a shock – and what more during pregnancy, when your skin in generally is more sensitive? Some people having a tattoo can even faint from the pain or shock. Furthermore, stressful events during pregnancy can lead to premature labour, so it’s better to play safe.
If unclean equipment is used there is even the possibility that you could catch a serious infection, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to know for certain if the tattoo ink can be partly absorbed into your body and negatively affect your unborn baby.
Lastly, as you gain weight throughout your pregnancy, your skin will stretch – and not just on your tummy! This means that the appearance of the tattoo may change after you deliver and lose that pregnancy weight.
So, heed the expert advice, and wait till after you give birth before contemplating getting a tattoo. Do avoid getting one as long as you are breastfeeding too, because any infection would affect your breast milk, which would in turn affect your baby.
By Dorothea Chow
