can you get a tattoo while pregnant?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of research on pregnancy and tattoos. Some studies suggest that tattoo ink can travel through the lymph nodes, while other research suggests specific components in tattoo ink can affect the placenta. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it is possible for chemicals in the tattoo dye to affect baby’s development during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, there’s little information about the risk of tattoos after the first trimester of pregnancy. (Source: www.scarymommy.com)

Another factor to weigh? Emotional stress. We probably don’t have to tell you that tattoos come from a hand-held electric machine with solid needles coated in ink. Those needles pierce into the dermal (second) layer of the skin to inject the ink. Even if you have a high pain tolerance, the process can still hurt like a mother-you-know-what and be both physically and mentally stressful. And of course, the bigger the tattoo, the longer time you will spend in the chair — in potentially uncomfortable positions — getting inked. In other words, getting tattooed can be stressful AF, which can also compromise the immune system. You should always avoid stress during pregnancy when possible, so placing unneeded added pressure onto your baby for the sake of some fresh ink isn’t typically encouraged by healthcare professionals. (Source: www.scarymommy.com)

In a similar vein, some concerns center on women who already have existing back or spinal tattoos (you know, like the dragon tattoo you got in college) and whether or not they can receive a proper epidural. However, according to the American Pregnancy Association, very few studies exist on the risks present for women with existing back tattoos who choose to receive an epidural. So far, these studies haven’t found any conclusive data that indicates there are risks, so most anesthesiologists will offer an epidural to a woman with a back tattoo. (Source: www.scarymommy.com)

Ultimately, the choice is yours whether you get a tattoo while pregnant. If you simply can’t wait to get your ink, taking some precautions is advisable. According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should: (Source: www.scarymommy.com As your body stretches to accommodate your growing baby, the tattoo you may have gotten around your midsection or pelvis area before your pregnancy may also expand. For many pregnant women, stretch marks are part of the journey and completely natural. Sometimes they may even appear over the tattoo and change the way it looks. Although this may be a bummer, it’s important to remember you and your stretch marks are beautiful, no matter what. (Source:www.scarymommy.com))

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Do not panic! You can contact your tattooist for advice on how to take care of your existing tattoos while you are pregnant. Make sure to moisturize your skin regularly; proper skin care is a proven way of improving your skin’s elasticity, strength, and appearance. Most professionals recommend using fragrance-free lotion, petroleum jelly, or coconut oil. The condition of the skin – pregnant or not – always differs from person to person, so it is recommended you speak to your doctor about your personalized skincare needs. It is extremely important to keep your protective layers of skin healthy not only to preserve your tattoos throughout pregnancy, but also to keep your body safe from infections that will affect both you and your baby. (Source: www.tattoodo.com)

Smaller tattoos mean smaller amounts of ink used, which certainly reduces the amount of pigment that might find its way into your lymphatic system or bloodstream. But the size of the tattoo itself doesn’t completely erase any of the risks. (Source: www.babylist.com “We [medical professionals] think so,” Dr. Sterling says. “There are a lot of cultures that use henna when people are pregnant (and when they’re not pregnant). There aren’t any studies on henna and pregnancy, so we can’t say this is 100% safe, but we know it’s been used for thousands of years in many cultures, and we’re not aware of any issues.” (Source:www.babylist.com))

Think of it this way: nine months isn’t a very long time to wait, considering a tattoo lasts forever. For now, if you’re really itching for body art, consider getting a safe, temporary design using henna or realistic-looking temporary tattoos like these ones from InkBox. (Source: www.babylist.com) Check out these lovely temporary tattoos. 4. Do I Need A Doctor To Tell Me Whether I Need To Cut Out Alcohol Before I Get My