Can You Get a Tattoo While Pregnant?

Tattoos are a popular way to express yourself. However, if you're expecting, can you get a tattoo while pregnant? The answer is yes, as long as you do it safely. Getting a tattoo during pregnancy doesn't come without risks—including potential infections or allergic reactions.

There are no official guidelines on the best time to get a tattoo during pregnancy. Additionally, it's unclear whether a tattoo can directly cause a miscarriage, but some infections can induce a miscarriage. Here's what else you should know about getting a tattoo while pregnant.

Safety Tips

Ensuring that the tattoo won't cause complications for you or the fetus—like if it becomes infected—is essential if you decide to get a tattoo while pregnant. You can do this by:

• Finding and researching facilities and tattoo artists. Look for licensed ones that comply with all standards and regulatory requirements. Those vary by region, so check what they are in your city and state. 
• Keeping in mind the placement of your tattoo if you plan on receiving an epidural during delivery. No studies have conclusively shown any danger in receiving an epidural that may pass through a lower back tattoo. It also may help to check a healthcare provider's policies about tattoos and epidurals.
• Making sure the tattoo artist takes proper precautions. The artist should not be using needles, tattoo pigments, and other equipment that have been used before. They should also wear latex gloves and use sterilized tools.

What About Henna?

Getting a henna tattoo during pregnancy may be safe if you use the appropriate kind of henna. While natural henna has not been linked to health problems in general, other types of henna—like black henna—can cause issues.

That's because they contain a chemical called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is toxic and not FDA-approved. Some individuals who have received black henna tattoos have experienced harmful skin reactions.

1. Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B and C are serious infections that impact the liver. Both viruses are spread through blood. If infected blood is left on a tattoo needle that is not adequately cleaned before piercing your skin, you may become infected with one of those viruses. 

No research has documented the spread of hepatitis C in licensed, commercial tattooing facilities. The risk of hepatitis B transmission remains unknown, so it would be best to take precautions.

2. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Another blood-borne infection that a needle might transmit is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are no known cases of anyone in the United States contracting HIV through a tattoo needle.

Still, it is technically possible—if the tattoo needle hasn't been adequately sterilized and used on someone who is HIV-positive. Not only could you become infected with HIV, but the fetus is also in danger of contracting the virus.

3. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a potentially fatal bacterial infection resistant to many antibiotics, transmitted from person to person. There have been reports of MRSA being spread via tattoos by unlicensed tattooists. If a tattoo needle is reused without being cleaned, the bacteria could be introduced on or under the skin, spreading infection.

4. Allergies

Although rare, it's possible to have a contact allergy to the ingredients in the tattoo ink, particularly red pigments, or to the needles themselves. There's also no research indicating the direct effects of tattoo ink on fetuses—though severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, can be harmful to a fetus.

A Quick Review

There are no organizational recommendations advising against getting tattoos during pregnancy, but that doesn't mean they're 100% safe to get. You may run a small risk of developing an infection or allergic reaction. Both of those outcomes are potentially harmful or can unnecessarily complicate your pregnancy. 

If you get a tattoo during pregnancy, take precautions to stay safe. Visit a licensed facility and make sure your tattoo artist wears gloves and doesn't reuse equipment.