Pregnancy And Piercings: 5 Things Every Mom-To-Be Should Know

Let’s face it -motherhood as our mothers know it is long gone. With our freedom of speech came our freedom of expression. And what’s a better form of expression than art?

Modern motherhood is taking its turn and women nowadays choose to leave statements through fashion, tattoos, and piercings. However, when you mix some of those pleasures with pregnancy, the result might not be as you would expect it. Being pregnant obviously means you should give up drinking as well as smoking, but when it comes to piercings, the reality is quite different.

One thing you need to remember before we dive into the five crucial things every future parent needs to know is that every pregnancy is different. Therefore body jewellery is a matter of personal choice, sensitivity, and preference.

With that being said, these are the most common dilemmas, questions and the safest routes for maintaining a healthy body while growing another human being.

1.    Can you get a body piercing during pregnancy?

Yes, you can. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and it should definitely not stop you from getting the piercings you want. Nevertheless, be cautious.

Most of the places on the human body are completely acceptable for piercings but you should keep in mind the ones that are not. Leave out the genitalia, the breasts, and the belly.  Just because those locations are extremely sensitive while pregnant, you may want to reconsider that option in order not to cause any skin damage or complications during delivery.

2.    When is it a good time to get pierced?

There is no such thing as a perfect time for getting pierced while you are carrying a child. Even though there is no time limit on this, it is most recommended to do it earlier in the pregnancy. This is due to the reason that some piercings will require up to 12 weeks of nurture which only means that you will most probably forget to take care of your piercings if you happen to deliver in the meantime.

Different body parts have a different healing time, and that’s exactly why you need to be careful with your decisions.

For an instance, earrings, as well as eyebrow piercings, take up to 8 weeks of a healing process. Tongue rings vary from four to 6 weeks of healing time while lip rings can cause you three months to completely heal. On the other hand, a nipple piercing takes up to six months and a belly button piercing have a healing process for one whole year.

3.    Should you take out the piercings you already have?

Being pregnant does not necessarily mean you have to ditch all the piercings you have already gotten. Nose rings and earrings are the safest piercings you can have. When it comes to any other kind of piercing, you definitely should keep an eye on that.

If the piercings become uncomfortable or they cause you pain, you should change up the size of the piercing or completely remove it. That way you will spare yourself from any additional discomfort that may occur.

Further, don’t ignore the signs. You should remove your jewellery if the pierced hole is inflamed, hurt, irritated or red. Immediately take it off to spare yourself from physical suffering and soreness. Don’t feel bad for getting rid of your piercings because you can always re-pierce after pregnancy.

Speaking of which, nipple piercings are recommended to be instantly cut out as they boost the risk of infections and choking among newborns.

4.    Which type of piercings is best during pregnancy?

Since any type of piercing can be impacted by pregnancy due to growth, swelling and water retention, there still are several types of body jewelry that are not bad at all. Among this group of body art can be found the ear piercings and tunnels, lip and nose rings, tongue rings and eyebrow piercings.

5.    Are there any health risks from having piercings during pregnancy?

Of course, there are. Infections are the most common health risks while pregnant. Not taking a proper care of the piercings can cause a series of very dangerous infections such as Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B. Non-sterile supplies and instruments can generate these illnesses as well as HIV/AIDS. Thus, be very mindful when choosing the studio and the artist you are getting pierced by. Make sure it is a safe place that best meets your needs.