Can you get a tattoo while pregnant? Risks, precautions, and expert advice
- Updated Feb 27, 2025
- Published
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Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical associate professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Texas A&M University, College of Medicine in Bryan-College Station, USA
- Getting tattoos while pregnant is discouraged due to increased risks of infection, allergic reactions, and exposure to potentially harmful tattoo ink chemicals.
- If you unknowingly got a tattoo while pregnant, monitor for signs of infection and consult your doctor if you experience redness, swelling, or fever.
- The safest approach is to wait until after pregnancy, especially if you’re planning on an epidural or are currently breastfeeding.
Tattoos are a meaningful form of self-expression, but pregnancy raises concerns about safety and potential risks. While it’s technically possible to get a tattoo while pregnant, medical professionals strongly advise against it due to the risk of infections, allergic reactions, and chemical exposure that could pose harm to both mother and baby. Pregnancy also alters the body’s healing process, increasing the likelihood of complications such as scarring or prolonged recovery. In this article, we’ll explore why you can’t get a tattoo while pregnant, what to do if you got a tattoo while pregnant and didn’t know, and safe alternatives to consider during pregnancy.
Why can't you get a tattoo while pregnant?
Pregnancy is a delicate time when the body undergoes numerous changes to support fetal development. The immune system naturally weakens to prevent rejection of the growing fetus, making pregnant individuals more vulnerable to infections. Since tattooing while pregnant involves needles puncturing the skin to deposit ink, there is an inherent risk of bacterial and viral infections, some of which could pose serious health concerns.
Tattoo inks also contain a mix of chemicals and heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and arsenic, which have not been extensively studied for their effects on fetal health. Although no conclusive evidence links tattoos while pregnant to pregnancy complications, experts recommend avoiding unnecessary exposure to unknown toxins during pregnancy.
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Risks of getting a tattoo while pregnant
1. Increased risk of infections
Tattoo while pregnant creates small open wounds, which can become entry points for bacteria and viruses. Poor hygiene, unsterilized equipment, or improper aftercare can lead to bacterial infections like staphylococcus (staph) infections, which may require antibiotics. The most concerning—although rare—infections include:
- HIV – HIV transmission is a risk when unclean needles are used.
- Hepatitis B & C – These viral infections affect the liver and can be transmitted through contaminated needles.
- Bacterial skin infections – Redness, swelling, pain, or pus at the tattoo site may indicate a bacterial infection that could spread.
Pregnant individuals already have weakened immune defenses, making these infections potentially more severe.
2. Skin sensitivity and allergic reactions
Pregnancy hormones can cause heightened skin sensitivity, making it more likely to experience an allergic reaction to tattoo ink. Red, yellow, and green pigments are particularly known to cause skin irritation or inflammation. Swelling and itchiness could become more pronounced than usual, leading to discomfort and prolonged healing times.
3. Potential harm from tattoo ink
Tattoo ink particles may enter the bloodstream, and while research is inconclusive on whether these chemicals can reach the fetus, the uncertainty is enough for healthcare providers to recommend avoiding exposure. Some tattoo inks may contain metals like mercury and arsenic, which are known to be harmful in high concentrations.
4. Delayed healing and increased scarring
Pregnancy slows down the body’s healing process, meaning tattoos while pregnant may take longer to heal and carry a greater risk of scarring, excessive inflammation, or infection. A tattoo that might have healed smoothly under normal circumstances could heal poorly due to hormonal changes.
5. Epidural concerns
There is an ongoing debate over whether a lower back tattoo could interfere with an epidural during labor. Some anesthesiologists may hesitate to insert an epidural needle through freshly tattooed skin due to concerns over infection or ink particles being introduced into the spinal fluid. While this remains a gray area in medical research, it’s another reason why waiting until after delivery may be the safer choice.
What happens if you get a tattoo while pregnant?
If you unknowingly got a tattoo while pregnant, don’t panic. While the risks exist, a single exposure is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, you should:
- Monitor for infection – Redness, swelling, pus, or fever require medical attention.
- Maintain proper aftercare – Keep the tattooed area clean, avoid excessive sun exposure, and avoid picking at scabs.
- Inform your doctor – If you experience any unusual symptoms, discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure no complications arise.
👉Find out more: Can you dye your hair while pregnant? What you need to know
Can you get a tattoo in the first trimester?
The first trimester is the most crucial stage of fetal development, where major organs and systems are forming. Any exposure to toxins or infections at this stage could increase the risk of complications, making it the most concerning time to get a tattoo while pregnant. Experts strongly advise against tattooing during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Safe alternatives to tattoos during pregnancy
If you’re eager for body art but want to avoid the risks, consider:
- Henna tattoos – Opt for natural henna (brown or red), but avoid “black henna,” which contains harmful chemicals.
- Temporary tattoos – These provide a risk-free alternative without permanent effects.
Questions from the Femia community
Can I get a tattoo while breastfeeding?
While some experts say tattoo ink is unlikely to pass into breast milk, others recommend waiting until breastfeeding ends to avoid potential risks.
Will a tattoo stretch or fade during pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy-related weight gain and skin stretching—especially around the belly, hips, and thighs—can distort tattoos. Once the skin contracts postpartum, the tattoo may appear stretched or faded.
Can a fresh tattoo cause pregnancy complications?
A fresh tattoo may lead to infections, allergic reactions, and inflammation, which can stress the immune system. While there is no direct link between tattoos while pregnant and pregnancy complications, an untreated infection could lead to more serious health concerns.
Can I remove an old tattoo while pregnant?
Tattoo removal involves laser treatments that break down ink particles, and the effects of this process during pregnancy haven’t been studied. Most doctors advise waiting until after delivery for both safety and comfort reasons.
Can I get a touch-up on an old tattoo while pregnant?
Tattoo touch-ups involve needle penetration and ink exposure, carrying the same risks as new tattoos. It’s best to wait until after pregnancy to avoid unnecessary health concerns.
The bottom line
While getting a tattoo while pregnant is not explicitly prohibited, most medical professionals strongly advise against it due to potential risks, including infections, allergic reactions, and exposure to chemicals in tattoo ink. Your immune system is naturally weakened during pregnancy, making healing slower and infections harder to fight off. Additionally, tattoos on the lower back may create complications for receiving an epidural during labor.
If you already got a tattoo while pregnant, monitor the site for redness, swelling, or fever, and seek medical attention if any of these symptoms appear. The safest approach is to wait until after pregnancy and, if breastfeeding, until you’ve weaned your baby to eliminate any potential risks. Temporary body art, such as henna or sticker tattoos, can be a fun and safe alternative while waiting for the right time to get inked.
References
- “Tattoos and Hepatitis C: What Are the Risks?” Hep, www.hepmag.com/article/tattoos-hepatitis-c-risks. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
- “Know the Risk: Transmission Through Tattoos & Piercings.” Hepatitis B Foundation, www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/preventing-hepatitis-b/know-the-risk-tattoos-piercings. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
- “Labor and Delivery, Postpartum Care.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/basics/postpartum-care/hlv-20049469. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
- “Tattoos: Understand Risks and Precautions.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tattoos/about/pac-20385155. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
- Kluger, Nicolas. “Tattoos: What Do People Really Know about the Risks?” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, vol. 34, no. 9, 2020, pp. e477-e479. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32768613/. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
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