Getting a Tattoo while Pregnant: What are the Risks?

Getting a tattoo while being pregnant is possible but not without risk. Some of the possible risks are the transmission of diseases, such as Hepatitis B and HIV, which could affect both you and your baby. It’s best to wait until after the birth of your baby to get a tattoo.

In addition, you need to consider asking the question, “can getting a tattoo while pregnant cause a miscarriage?” It is known that inks used in tattoos contain heavy metals, and these might not be good for your pregnancy.

Tattoos and pregnancy: Is it really that bad?

That depends a lot on why you are getting a tattoo, where you are getting a tattoo, and the knowledge you have on the ink used. Getting a tattoo, even without pregnancy, is already risky on its own. Infections and allergies are a staple possibility. 

Can getting a tattoo while pregnant cause a miscarriage? It just might, especially if the pregnant woman is exposed to certain heavy metals in ink used in tattoos.

Getting a tattoo during pregnancy can be done, but the risks might not be worth it. Here are some of the things to consider before getting a tattoo during your pregnancy:

Shape and Form Of the Tattoo

If you are pregnant, you must take into consideration that your body will change during the pregnancy. While you are pregnant, your tattoo may change shape and form depending on the place and trimester you will have it done. 

Because of swelling and fluid retention during pregnancy, tissues may be stretched. Therefore, tattoos applied during pregnancy will likely change in shape after the baby’s birth.

Each person gets a tattoo for a different reason, and for some, the reasons are purely sentimental. If you don’t mind getting your tattoo deformed, then this shouldn’t be a problem.

Infections

Consider the artist’s reputation and how they follow hygiene protocols before getting a tattoo. In addition to the risks of a serious infection, your child also may also face the same danger. 

Can getting a tattoo while pregnant cause a miscarriage? Getting a tattoo, in itself, does not cause a miscarriage. However, infections brought by contaminated needles might lead to a miscarriage. 

You should avoid getting a tattoo on the hands, arms, feet, legs, or anywhere that is susceptible to infection. 

In most cases, tattoo artists won’t knowingly tattoo pregnant or nursing women. 

Mothers are advised to delay getting a tattoo for at least 9-12 months after giving birth when children are no longer entirely dependent on breastmilk. Many experienced tattoo artists will ask the client to sign a waiver regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ink Used

It is difficult to determine if tattooing during pregnancy is safe. 

Can getting a tattoo while pregnant cause a miscarriage?

To answer the question, it helps to consider the tattoo ink used. There are indeed healthy tattoo inks on the market, but there are also toxic tattoo inks.  

The ink’s ingredients may pose a threat to your growing baby, especially during the first trimester when the body is forming the fetus’ main organs. 

Heavy metal exposure may affect the brain development of your child. In addition, it increases the risk of having a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Can getting a tattoo while pregnant cause a miscarriage? If you don’t know anything about the ink used, miscarriage is a risk. 

What about Henna?

Can getting a tattoo while pregnant cause a miscarriage? Not If you’re interested in the temporary alternative: Henna.

Before getting a henna tattoo, you should know that many types of henna are available. 

Using natural henna on your body can leave you with an orange, red, brownie, cinnamon, brick, chocolate, or coffee stain that can last one to four weeks. Henna that is natural and safe does not come in black. Making sure the artist is using natural products and not black henna is crucial.

Henna that is natural and does not contain harmful chemicals can be used on your hair and skin while pregnant. In the same way that skin exfoliates, the henna stain disappears as the skin removes the top few layers of skin. 

Can getting a tattoo while pregnant cause a miscarriage? Not if they are getting henna and using natural dyes. 

No pregnant woman should use black henna. It is difficult to diagnose and treat burns, blisters, and other reactions caused by black henna, as this substance contains para-phenylenediamine (PPD).

Speak to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about an existing tattoo or henna.

Key Takeaway

Getting a tattoo during pregnancy might not be a good option. Although the act of getting a tattoo, in itself, does not cause harm to the baby, risks that come along with it, such as infections and exposure to heavy metals, might pose risks to the mother and the baby. It would be best to wait months after the pregnancy is over before getting inked. 

Learn more about staying healthy throughout pregnancy, here.