Piercing During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

Being pregnant does not mean that a woman needs to compromise on style and appearance. If you’re pregnant and thinking about getting your body parts pierced, you’ll obviously want to know if it’s safe to do so in pregnancy. It’s only natural to have this question, and we’re here to answer that for you. 

Can You Get Your Body Parts Pierced While Pregnant?

Getting the belly button, nose, ears, etc., pierced is in fashion now, and if you like to keep up with the trend, you may want to get your body parts pierced too. But we suggest that you hold on that thought for some time now as getting your body parts pierced in pregnancy can be risky. If you get piercing done and the body part does not heal, you may get a staph infection, which is not good for the baby. You will have to be extremely careful and ensure that you get it done in a sterile environment and the equipment used to pierce is sterile too. There are a lot of things that need attention when pregnant, so why add one more? Your body will undergo a lot of physical changes during pregnancy, you will experience morning sickness, you will be tired, your body will ache, so it is best to not aggravate the pain by getting your body pierced.

Piercing Gun or Needle Piercing – Which is Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

There is a higher risk of trauma to skin tissue if a gun is used for piercing. A sharp disposable needle is far less painful and hygienically safer than a piercing gun which can malfunction and cause injury. However, you must sterilize the equipment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.

When Can You Get Your Body Parts Pierced in Pregnancy?

There are health risks associated with piercing. If proper care is not taken, you may be prone to infections and eventually, may even contract Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV/ AIDS by using non-sterile instruments or supplies. Another possibility is that your body may reject the piercing as a foreign object and the wound won’t heal. It is best to wait until you deliver to get any piercing done.

Risks Associated With Piercing in Pregnancy

Getting your body pierced during pregnancy has its share of risks. You will be prone to infection no matter how careful you are. The chances of risks increase in a pregnant woman because of the physical changes and developing foetus. The major risks associated with piercing in pregnancy are as follows:

• blood loss
• inflamed skin
• bacterial infection
• infection with a transmittable disease

Body Parts You Should Avoid Getting Pierced

Getting your body parts pierced during pregnancy is best avoided but if you still want to do it, try and avoid getting these body parts pierced. Piercing involving cartilage is the most dangerous when pregnant, as the healing process is very slow due to the limited blood supply. Nose piercing while pregnant should also be avoided. Horizontal or vertical tongue piercing involves a major risk of paralysis or loss of sensation. Oral piercing can lead to excessive bleeding, infection, and injuries. Also, do not get your breasts, belly or genitalia pierced, as they too undergo many changes during pregnancy.

Precautionary Measures to Take While Piercing When Pregnant

As stated above, getting your body parts pierced is not recommended during pregnancy. But if you still want to go ahead with it, do check with your doctor. If your doctor gives approval for the same, you must take certain precautions while getting your body parts pierced. Listed below are some precautions to take while piercing when you are pregnant:

• Wear surgical stainless steel, 18 – carat gold, or titanium if you’re getting a piercing done on any body part.
• Do not change your jewellery during the healing period.
• Once you have got a body part pierced, do not clean it using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide as it affects the healing area.
• Avoid bodily fluids like blood, semen, saliva, sweat and vaginal secretions from contacting the spot of the piercing.
• If there is blood loss, immediately remove the jewellery.
• Avoid getting pierced at the end of the second trimester.
• Medical help should be sought if you have a fever or any pain after piercing.

When Should You Remove Your Jewellery?

Belly button and genital jewellery should be removed before the birth of the child. If a C-section or medical intervention is required during birth, all jewellery should be removed. Nipple jewellery should also be removed while breastfeeding the baby.

Pregnancy is a delicate phase so don’t take any risks. If you prefer getting your body parts pierced, you can always do so after you welcome your baby into this world. Until then, stay safe, don’t take any risks, and have a healthy pregnancy.

Also Read: Belly Button During Pregnancy