From a bigger belly and boobs to (sigh) stretch marks, your body goes through a bevy of physical changes when you’re pregnant. With so many transformations taking place, you might not want to add another issue to your anatomy. But if you’ve been pining for a piercing, there might be no stopping you from perusing for a piercing professional. However, if you’re thinking about getting some bling for your breasts, you should think first if can get a piercing while pregnant. The answer might surprise you.
“There are caveats and precautions to every invasive modality typically done for beauty/bodily enhancements,” says Dr. Kecia Gaither, M.D., MPH, MS, MBA, FACOG, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director of Perinatal Services/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in New York. “However, for pregnancy, extra considerations certainly should be had.”
While most healthcare providers would advise against piercings during pregnancy, this is what you need to know if you plan to proceed with getting a piercing while pregnant.
You Can Get An Infection
Anytime you get a piercing, you’re increasing your risk of getting an infection. But getting your belly button pierced during your pregnancy can pose an additional problem. “Pregnancy imposes a state of decreased immunologic competence,” explains Gaither. “As such, it can increase the risk of infection, either superficially in the skin or systemically throughout the blood stream.” And while your body might have a better chance of fighting off an infection when you’re not pregnant, the added stress on your body can make you more susceptible to an infection.
Thing is, the infection might not just affect you, but the fetus, too. “Piercing is not recommended, as a piercing increases the risk of infection, which can potentially spread through the bloodstream and harm the baby,” adds Dr. Amy Huang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Offices Of Manhattan. Some infections can be more serious than others, like Hepatitis B and HIV, when poorly cleaned instruments are used during a piercing.
You Can Have An Allergic Reaction
Forget about the sting you might feel when the piercing needle goes through your skin. Beyond soreness at the site, you could actually end up with a really nasty post-piercing problem. “An allergic reaction and/or an irritation may occur at the site,” explains Gaither. The potential cause of the allergic reaction might be due to jewelry’s metallic makeup, according to Verywell Health. A nickel allergy can trigger an allergic response, (think redness, itchiness, swelling, and flaky skin). Before the body piercing begins, ask your body piercer to use jewelry like titanium, 14 or 18-karat gold, niobium, and surgical grade stainless steel, all of which can reduce the chances of an allergic reaction.
Your Skin Can Stretch More
Just when you thought that your belly was at its breaking point, a skin piercing might stretch it even more. “As the breasts and belly grow, the skin around the piercing can stretch, causing discomfort,” says Huang. Although it might not stop you from getting your nipples pierced, it’s something to think about when you’re pregnant. After all, you might not want to push your body (and, say, your boobs) to a breaking point.
You Can Bleed More
Bleeding is a part of getting pierced — except that it can be excessive when you’re expecting. “Due to the physiologic pregnancy changes in the breast/genitals like increased blood flow, edema, and an increase in size, piercings in these areas are subject to even more bleeding or torn skin if the piercing catches on clothing.” While you might suffer from soreness due to a new piercing, you should contact your OB-GYN if symptoms such as swelling, redness, and bleeding go beyond a few days, per the Mayo Clinic.
You Can Experience Nerve Damage
If you thought that the numbness you may sometimes feel post-piercing might minimize the pain, it’s particularly problematic during your nine months. “For the breast, there exists the risk of mastitis,” explains Gaither. Mastitis is a common occurrence when Baby is born thanks to milk ducts becoming blocked and clogged. That said, “the nerve damage produced by a piercing can interfere with milk production and flow,” Gaither adds.
You Can Tear During Delivery
Getting your clit pierced may make sex even, well, sexier. Add to that the extra flow to your lady parts during pregnancy, and you should prepare yourself for some serious orgasms. But if you’re pondering between a Princess Diana piercing or a good ol’ glans, a skin piercing for your puss can put a damper on your delivery. “There may be excessive tearing during delivery for piercings of the genitals,” warns Gaither. So weigh the risks versus the rewards, and you may come to the conclusion that an insane orgasm thanks to a clitoris piercing should be postponed until you’re postpartum.
Your Skin Might Be More Sensitive
Piercings are often relegated to certain zones of the body, such as ears, eyebrows, tongue, lips, etc. While those spots should be safer in terms of sensitivity, other areas are more delicate. “Specific areas of the body are more sensitive during pregnancy, including the belly button, nipples, and genitalia,” says Huang. “Pregnant women should avoid getting piercings in these areas during pregnancy.” Knowing that sensitivity can occur might mentally prepare you more prior to the piercing.
What Should You Do If You Really Want A Piercing During Pregnancy?
Despite all the issues that come with a piercing, you may still want to proceed with booking that appointment. If that’s the case, Huang recommends going to a state-registered studio that follows sterile protocol. “Follow up with your doctor before and after the piercing,” she says. “And maintain good wound hygiene, including frequent cleansing of the wound with gentle antibacterial soap and water.” That way, you can reduce the risk of infections and other issues, and enjoy the piercing during your nine months – and beyond.