{{Research from experts answering your most pressing questions about what is and isn’t safe during pregnancy.}}
{{Is it safe to get pierced during pregnancy?}}
Whether you’re thinking about getting your nipples, genitals, or burgeoning belly pierced, think again. “Puncturing the skin during pregnancy is never a good idea because there’s an increased risk of infection, which can then spread to the bloodstream,” according to Diana Mad fest, a dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan. Plus, when you’re pregnant your immunity is weakened so you’re more susceptible to infection.
So what if you’re already pierced and pregnant? Never fear, your existing body work won’t harm your unborn baby. Read on for tips on caring for your piercings.
Should I remove my belly ring?
Your favorite pair of jeans isn’t the only thing that will feel snugger as your waistline expands. “If your belly ring begins to feel tight, take it out or replace it with a more comfortable piece of jewelry,” says Joey Wyman, a former body piercer and mother of a 5-month-old. Swap your ring for a piece of clean fishing line or Teflon body jewelry (known as PTFE, or polytetrafluorethylene), which flexes with your growing belly. Wyman points out that you probably won’t need to take this precaution if your piercing has been in for at least three to four years because it’s not likely that the hole will close.
If you’re comfortable keeping your piercing in throughout your pregnancy and your healthcare provider approves, then go for it. The chances of it interfering with the actual birth are slim. “We can always work around a belly ring,” says Leslie Kardos, an ob-gyn at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco and mother of two, who also happens to have her belly pierced. “In fact, I left mine in for the birth of my second child without a problem,” she says.
The incision used during most c-sections runs along the bikini line and doesn’t interfere with the belly button. And if for some reason a belly ring ends up posing a problem during the birth, it can easily be removed.
How do I clean my belly ring?
Is It Safe During Pregnancy?
Take care of your belly ring the same way you did before pregnancy, by carefully washing the area with ordinary soap and warm water. It’s important to keep any piercing clean, but you should be particularly stringent with the belly variety, which seems to get infected more often than other piercings. After all, the belly button has a tendency to collect lint and bacteria.
Should I remove my nipple piercing?
When it comes to nipple piercings, ob-gyn Kardos takes a more conservative approach than with the belly variety. “It’s best to remove a nipple ring when you’re pregnant, especially if you plan on breastfeeding,” she says. In addition to being an obvious choking hazard for your baby, Kardos points out, a nipple ring interferes with a baby’s ability to latch on properly, and milk could leak through the piercing hole.
Your best bet is to take out your nipple piercing and let the hole heal over. Once your child has stopped breastfeeding, you can have your nipples pierced again.
Should I remove my genital piercing?
Let comfort be your guide: “If your genital piercing isn’t bothering you during your pregnancy go ahead and leave it in,” says ob-gyn Kardos. However, she advises taking it out as your due date approaches because so much stretching, pulling, and tugging goes on during childbirth that the jewelry could easily be ripped out, leading to additional vaginal trauma.
How do I clean my genital piercing?
Take care of your genital piercing the same way you did before pregnancy, by carefully washing the area with ordinary soap and warm water.
