Most medical professionals and reputable tattoo studios advise against getting a tattoo during pregnancy. While there is no law against it and no definitive study proving harm, the combination of infection risk, unknown effects of ink chemicals on fetal development and a compromised immune system during pregnancy creates enough cause for caution that the standard recommendation is to wait until after delivery.
Why the guidance is to wait
Infection risk during pregnancy
Tattooing creates open wounds. During pregnancy the immune system is naturally suppressed to prevent it from rejecting the foetus. This means the body is less effective at fighting infections at the wound site. A bacterial infection that would be manageable outside pregnancy could become more serious during it, with potential complications for both mother and baby.
Unknown effects of ink chemicals
Tattoo inks contain pigments, carriers and preservatives, including trace amounts of heavy metals in some formulations. No ink has been certified safe for use during pregnancy by any regulatory body. Some chemicals in tattoo inks enter the bloodstream in small quantities. The effects on fetal development are unknown because research in this area is essentially absent. The precautionary principle suggests avoiding this unknown exposure.
Skin changes may affect the result
Pregnancy causes significant changes in skin elasticity, pigmentation and sensitivity. Areas of skin that stretch significantly during pregnancy, particularly the abdomen, hips and thighs, may distort a tattoo as the body changes and may not return to their pre-pregnancy state afterwards. A tattoo planned during pregnancy may look very different once the pregnancy is complete.
Allergic reactions are harder to manage during pregnancy
Pregnancy alters hormonal and immune function in ways that can trigger allergic reactions to substances that caused no problem before. Some treatments for allergic reactions to tattoo ink are not suitable during pregnancy. Managing a reaction becomes significantly more complicated when the treatment options are limited.
What reputable studios will do
Most reputable tattoo studios will decline to tattoo a client who discloses that they are pregnant. This is a standard professional precaution rather than a judgement. Most studio consent forms include a specific declaration that the client is not pregnant, precisely because the liability and health considerations involved are significant. Gravity Tattoo follows this standard practice. We will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant client and will always ask on the consent form.
What to do instead
Pregnancy is an excellent time to plan. Use the months to research artists whose portfolios match what you are looking for, develop and refine your design idea and think carefully about placement for after delivery. Natural henna applied by a practitioner using pure henna is a traditional and generally safe way to enjoy temporary body art during pregnancy. Avoid black henna products as these commonly contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is a known allergen and not safe for skin application.
After delivery most doctors recommend waiting until the immune system has returned to normal function, which typically takes six to twelve weeks. If breastfeeding, the guidance is generally to wait until the baby is no longer wholly dependent on breast milk, which most lactation organisations suggest is around nine to twelve months.
Planning your tattoo for after your pregnancy?
Our Leighton Buzzard artists are happy to help you plan in advance. Get in touch and we can start the conversation when you are ready.
Book a ConsultationFor full studio details and to book a consultation, Visit our tattoo preparation page to book a consultation.
More from the Tattoo Preparation Guide
This article is part of our Tattoo Preparation Guide, covering every health and preparation question clients ask before getting tattooed. Browse every guide at our Tattoo Preparation Guide hub.
Explore related topics including tattooing while breastfeeding, blood thinners and medical conditions. Find every preparation guide at our Tattoo Preparation Guide hub.