Gotten a tattoo while pregnant?

[Nocturnally]

Just wondering if anyone has had a tattoo done while pregnant? Is it safe? The only concerns I've read online are risk of diseases.

[kenzibaybee]

I unknowingly got one an it looks bad. The ink didnt settle & its ugly. Dont do it.

[JaneRae]

I am happy to have stumbled upon this post. I have no tattoos but have been wanting to get one in memory of my son. So this is great info being 17 weeks along now I will plan on waiting! Thanks for posting the question and all of the responses!

[2bmommyof2]

In my opinion the risks are to great. I would wait until after the baby is born and you are no longer breast feeding. My sister-in-law got one done, not professionally but in some idiots living room and ended up being hospitalized with a nasty staff infection. I realize it probably had something to do with artist/location but those risks are always there. I have several tattoos and  currently waiting patiently to get my next one after I have my baby in July :)

[Kendradawn88]

I don't know ANY upstanding tattoo artist that would tattoo a pregnant woman. It's just too risky for a whole host of reasons, it's best to just wait until after delivery. I have a good many tattoos and piercings and love them, but would never get either while pregnant.

[june282012]

Hey. My hubby is a tattoo artist and we have had this discussion many many times. The truth is, there is no definitive proof that ink used during tattooing is dangerous to a fetus, however, whenever you have an open wound, your body is more prone to infection. Many, if not most, trustworthy tattooists do not tattoo pregnant women for that reason alone. Also, during pregnancy, even early on, there is subtle swelling in places on the body you wouldn't expect. After delivery, that swelling can go down and cause the tattoo to look different than intended. Also, since you produce more blood when pregnant, you are at an increased chance of bleeding. However, if you received a tattoo while pregnant, before knowing you were pregnant, there is little reason to worry as long as you went to a reputable artist who uses properly sterilized equipment and followed the after care instructions.

[Ashelen]

I agree with those saying to wait until after the baby is born. Proximity on your body to the baby has nothing to do with the risk; when you get a tattoo, inevitably, you will absorb some of the ink into your bloodstream.

While this does not guarantee a problem, it raises your risks.

I wouldn't chance it. Trust me, I have 2 tattoos and can't WAIT to get some more, but not until I'm not pregnant, just because it's one easily avoidable risk!

[Clysta]

I know when I got mine (2 years before I fell pregnant) I had to sign a waver stating I was not pregnant, breastfeeding and was in the proper state of mind (not drunk or on drugs) and making this choice coherently. Honestly, I would wait. While pregnant not only is it risky but the skin also stretches from retention and bloating which can distort the image after birth.

[mrs_bagz]

I wouldn't. Some inks can cause birth defects. Its not worth the risks. Why not just wait...

[NicoleW09]

I personally wouldn't risk it. I waited until after I had delivered and quit breastfeeding. Most tattoo artists will not tattoo a pregnant woman. My artist knew I had an infant and verified that I was no longer breastfeeding when I went to get my tattoo.

[southernprincess11909]

I got one done r my wrist when I was like 3month along with my son I talked to my step mom befori did it she a RN n has been for more then 25years she said as long it not ur belly or anyone close to it its ok n to make sure the nedllees r opne right in front of u n have never been used. Like I said I got mine on my wrist n my son was born heathly. So I gusse its up 2 u

[kelsebby92]

No because the risk of infection as well. Why put your baby through that and not just wait? I love getting tattoos, but I'm also 19 weeks 3 days so I can't, even though I've been craving one.

[cnhauk]

I wouldn't think that it is worth the risk and you should just wait the few short months till you have the baby before getting a tattoo.

[babyinside]

Also it depends on where you get the tattoo at. And some tattoo parlors will not do tattoos on any pregnant woman reguardless of how far you are

[babyinside]

It depends on how far you are in your pregnancy. If you are in your first trimester it is ok. After that the shock your body goes through during a pregnancy cause cause the baby's heart to have a irregular heart beat or even stop. I got a tattoo at 9 weeks and my baby came out fine!

[bhb071012]

I wouldn't do it personally, the ink don't set as well.