GETTING A TATTOO DURING PREGNANCY
Research on tattooing during pregnancy is limited, but it is strongly advised against, as it may involve potential risks.
Firstly, getting a tattoo always carries a risk of infection, which could pose a threat to the baby’s health. Infections can have serious consequences for both the mother and the child, so it’s important to take extra precautions.
In addition, the tattooing process itself can put stress on the body. Pain and discomfort may lead to increased physical stress, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, potentially raising the risk of miscarriage, particularly for women in high-risk groups.
Although there is no clear evidence that getting a tattoo during pregnancy is directly harmful, it’s wise to play it safe and wait until after giving birth. The baby’s health and well-being should always be the top priority during pregnancy, and by waiting, you give your body time to recover after childbirth. Always consult a healthcare professional before making decisions that could affect your pregnancy.
TATTOOS DURING BREASTFEEDING
When it comes to getting a tattoo while breastfeeding, there are several factors to consider to protect both the mother’s and baby’s health. Tattooing involves creating small wounds in the skin, which can carry a risk of infections that might potentially affect breast milk.
Infections can not only harm the skin but also affect the quality of breast milk. Additionally, treating infections might require medications that aren’t recommended during breastfeeding, making it important to exercise extra caution.
The stress and pain associated with the tattooing process can also negatively affect milk production. Stress can disrupt hormone balance, which in turn can impact the effectiveness of breastfeeding.
To minimize risks, it’s recommended to wait until the baby is over a year old and no longer fully dependent on breast milk. This gives your body time to recover from pregnancy and breastfeeding, while also reducing the chances of complications.
As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making decisions that could affect your health or your child’s well-being.
Also, read good aftercare tips.
EPIDURAL
It is possible to get epidural or spinal anesthesia even if you have tattoos on the lower back. However, it is not recommended to insert the needle through a tattoo, as it could result in the needle carrying pigments into the epidural or spinal space. Typically, tattoos are not large enough to require piercing through them, but if they are, a small incision can be made in the skin before the needle is inserted to prevent the pigments from being transferred, though this may lead to scarring that could alter the tattoo.
In the case of childbirth and the need for epidural/spinal anesthesia, the needle is inserted along the midline of the lower back. If you draw a line between the right and left iliac crests, the anesthesia will be administered a couple of centimeters down and 5 centimeters up where the line crosses the spine. This is useful to know if you want to avoid planning a tattoo in this area.
BEST TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER CHILDBIRTH AND BREASTFEEDING
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are times of increased vulnerability for both mother and baby. Due to the potential risks associated with getting a tattoo during these periods, it is generally recommended to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Most Professional tattoo artists Professional tattoo artists will advise pregnant women to wait, as this reduces the risk of infections and other complications that could affect the health of the mother or baby. Additionally, the tattooing process itself can cause stress, which may be harmful, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Research shows that stress can disrupt hormone balance, potentially having negative effects on the baby’s development.
By waiting until after childbirth and breastfeeding, you ensure that both mother and baby are well-protected, and that the tattooing process can be done safely and without unnecessary risks.
As always, it’s important to consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized advice and to ensure all health aspects are properly addressed.
