Tattooing during pregnancy: Potential hazards to consider
In the world of body art, the decision to get a tattoo is a personal one. However, when pregnancy is part of the equation, it's essential to consider the potential risks and uncertainties. Healthcare providers and tattoo professionals generally advise against getting a tattoo during pregnancy due to various health concerns.
Tattooing breaks the skin, increasing the risk of infection. Pregnant individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems, may have a higher risk of infection from tattoos. Infections can be dangerous during pregnancy and breastfeeding, potentially affecting the fetus or the breastfeeding infant.
The shape and location of a tattoo can be affected by the body changes during pregnancy, such as stretch marks on the hips, thighs, and abdomen. Additionally, the tattoo area can be more sensitive to sunlight than the rest of the skin, and exposure to sunlight can lead to stinging, itching, pain, swelling, and redness.
While some inks are now vegan-friendly, low in heavy metals, and hypoallergenic, there is still insufficient clinical research on their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some tattoo inks contain pigments used in car paint and printer cartridges, which have not been approved by the FDA for injection into the skin for cosmetic purposes.
Coloured tattoos seem more likely to trigger reactions than black tattoos. The main concern about getting a tattoo while pregnant is the risk of infection. It's important to ensure the tattooist is a registered practitioner and uses sterilized equipment to minimize this risk.
It is possible to pass on hepatitis or HIV to a breastfeeding infant if the nipples crack or bleed, although the risks of this are unclear for tattoos. Breast milk banks may also reject milk from women who have had tattoos within 12 months because of contamination risks.
While ink molecules do not pass into breast milk, the tattooing process itself can raise concerns, especially if done on or near the chest area. It's advised to avoid chest tattoos and to ensure hygiene and proper aftercare.
In light of these concerns, it's best to postpone tattooing until after pregnancy and breastfeeding for the safety of both mother and baby. If planning a tattoo, completing it well before pregnancy is the safest option. The FDA website provides information about the safety of tattoo inks for those considering getting a tattoo.
Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, has not conducted scientific research on the safety of tattoo inks during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable for pregnant individuals to avoid getting a tattoo, as tattooing can potentially introduce blocked pathways for harmful substances or infections that could affect the fetus or breastfeeding infant.
