Getting a Piercing while Pregnant

Pregnancy is a time of significant change, both physically and emotionally. Many women wonder if it’s safe to get a new piercing while pregnant, especially considering the many risks and uncertainties that accompany this period. This article delves into the topic, offering a detailed exploration of whether it’s advisable to get a piercing while pregnant and how to care for existing piercings during this special time.

Is It Safe to Get a Piercing While Pregnant?

While the idea of adorning your body with new jewelry might be tempting, getting a piercing during pregnancy is generally not recommended. The primary reason for this caution is the increased risk of infection, which can have serious implications for both the mother and the developing baby.

Infection Risks

During pregnancy, the immune system is naturally weakened to accommodate the growing fetus. This suppression of the immune response, while essential, also makes pregnant women more susceptible to infections. A piercing creates an open wound, providing an entry point for bacteria and other pathogens. If an infection occurs, it can potentially spread to the bloodstream, posing a serious risk to both the mother and the baby.

Allergic Reactions

Another concern is the possibility of an allergic reaction to the metals used in the jewelry. Even if you’ve never had an allergic reaction before, pregnancy can sometimes trigger unexpected sensitivities. An allergic reaction could lead to swelling, itching, and other complications that could further endanger your health during pregnancy.

Other Potential Complications

In addition to the risks of infection and allergic reactions, there is also the rare but serious possibility of contracting bloodborne diseases, such as hepatitis or HIV, from unsterilized piercing equipment. While reputable piercing parlors take great care to sterilize their tools, the risk, however small, is not one worth taking during pregnancy.

Expert Advice on Piercings During Pregnancy

Most healthcare professionals, including obstetricians and midwives, advise against getting new piercings while pregnant. Even professional piercers are likely to refuse service to a pregnant woman due to the heightened risks involved. The general recommendation is to wait at least three months postpartum before considering a new piercing. This allows your body to recover from childbirth and ensures your immune system is back to full strength.

Caring for Existing Piercings During Pregnancy

If you already have piercings, you might be wondering whether you need to remove them during pregnancy. The good news is that most fully healed piercings can be left in place. However, there are certain precautions and considerations to keep in mind to ensure they don’t cause complications.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do to prevent complications with existing piercings during pregnancy is to keep them clean. Clean your piercings daily with gentle soap and water, taking care to avoid any harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate the skin. Maintaining good hygiene is crucial, as your skin may be more sensitive and prone to infections during pregnancy.

Signs of Infection

Even if your piercing is fully healed, it’s essential to monitor it closely for any signs of infection. If you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or an unusual odor coming from the piercing site, it could be a sign of infection. In such cases, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly to prevent the infection from spreading.

Belly Button Piercings and Pregnancy

Belly button piercings are among the most common concerns for pregnant women. As your belly grows, the skin around the piercing may stretch, causing discomfort or even pain.

Should You Remove a Belly Button Piercing?

If your belly button piercing is fully healed, you can keep it in during pregnancy, but you may need to make some adjustments. Some women find that as their belly expands, the piercing becomes tight or uncomfortable. If this happens, it’s best to remove the jewelry to avoid further irritation or potential tearing.

Alternative Jewelry Options

If you’re concerned about the piercing hole closing up, you can replace the metal jewelry with a more flexible option, such as Teflon body jewelry (PTFE) or even a piece of clean fishing line. These materials are more forgiving as your belly grows and can help prevent discomfort.

Nipple Piercings and Pregnancy

Nipple piercings present unique challenges during pregnancy, especially as your breasts undergo significant changes in preparation for breastfeeding.

Risks Associated with Nipple Piercings

Keeping a nipple piercing during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection, abscesses, and other complications. The tissue around the nipple and areola becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, which can make the piercing more prone to irritation and infection.

Breastfeeding Considerations

If you plan to breastfeed, it’s advisable to remove nipple piercings before your baby is born. Nipple rings can pose a choking hazard to your baby and may interfere with their ability to latch properly. Additionally, keeping the piercings in place during breastfeeding increases the risk of infection, which can affect both milk production and the overall breastfeeding experience.

Genital Piercings and Pregnancy

Genital piercings are another area of concern during pregnancy. As with other types of piercings, the hormonal changes your body undergoes can affect how the piercing feels and how your body reacts to it.

Discomfort and Complications

As your due date approaches, the stretching and changes in your genital area may cause discomfort if you have a genital piercing. This discomfort could lead to irritation or even tearing during childbirth. For this reason, many healthcare providers recommend removing genital piercings before the third trimester or at the very least before labor begins.

Hygiene and Care

If you choose to keep your genital piercing during pregnancy, it’s crucial to maintain good hygiene. Wash the area carefully with mild soap and water, and be vigilant for any signs of infection. Given the increased vaginal discharge and other changes that occur during pregnancy, this area requires extra attention.

Facial Piercings: Nose and Ears

Facial piercings, such as nose and ear piercings, may seem less risky during pregnancy, but they still come with potential complications.

Nose Piercings and Pregnancy

Nose piercings are particularly tricky because the nasal passages are already under stress during pregnancy due to common symptoms like congestion and nosebleeds. Adding a new piercing to the mix can exacerbate these symptoms and increase the risk of infection.

Ear Piercings and Pregnancy

While ear piercings might seem like the safest option, they still carry risks, especially if the piercing is done with a gun rather than a needle. Piercing guns are harder to sterilize, increasing the risk of infection. As with other piercings, it’s best to wait until after pregnancy to get your ears pierced.

Should You Get a Piercing While Pregnant?

The general consensus among medical professionals is to avoid getting any new piercings while pregnant. The risks, while sometimes small, are not worth taking when the health of you and your baby is on the line. The good news is that pregnancy is a temporary state, and you can plan to get your desired piercing a few months after giving birth when your body has had time to heal and your immune system is fully functional.

Caring for Existing Piercings

For those with existing piercings, the key is to monitor them closely and maintain good hygiene. If any discomfort or signs of infection occur, it’s best to remove the piercing and consult your healthcare provider. With the right care, most piercings should pose no major issues during pregnancy.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Always consult your OB/GYN or midwife if you have any concerns about your piercings during pregnancy. If you experience symptoms such as intense pain, redness, discharge, or swelling, it’s important to get medical advice promptly to prevent complications.

After Pregnancy: When to Get Pierced

Once your baby is born and your body has had time to recover, you can safely consider getting a new piercing. Most experts recommend waiting at least three months postpartum to ensure your body is ready and your immune system is back to full strength.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a time of joy, excitement, and anticipation, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. While it might be tempting to get a new piercing during this special time, the risks associated with doing so are significant enough to warrant caution. By postponing new piercings and taking extra care of existing ones, you can help ensure a healthy, safe pregnancy for both you and your baby. And remember, the opportunity to adorn your body with new piercings will be there once your pregnancy journey is complete.