Expectant mothers often wonder how pregnancy might affect body modifications, whether they are considering a new navel piercing or already have a healed one. The safety and maintenance of a navel piercing during gestation depend heavily on whether the piercing is fresh or fully established, and the body’s unique response to anatomical changes. Understanding the specific health considerations and physical alterations that occur in the abdominal area during this time is important for making informed decisions.
Safety Concerns When Getting a New Piercing
Health professionals advise against getting any new body piercing, including a navel piercing, during pregnancy. This stems from the body’s altered immune response during gestation, which makes fighting off new infections more challenging. A fresh piercing is an open wound, and the navel site can take anywhere from three months to a full year to heal completely.
The risk of localized infection, such as cellulitis or abscess formation, is elevated when the immune system is modulated. If an infection occurs at the piercing site, it can potentially spread to the bloodstream, posing a serious systemic risk to both the mother and the developing fetus. Even with the most sterile techniques, the risk of introducing bacteria cannot be eliminated.
Another concern involves the possibility of an allergic reaction to the jewelry, even if made from materials commonly considered safe, such as surgical steel. Hormonal changes can increase skin sensitivity, making the body more susceptible to contact dermatitis or adverse reactions to metal alloys. Reputable piercing studios often refuse to pierce pregnant clients because the risk of complications outweighs any cosmetic benefit.
How Pregnancy Affects the Piercing Site
Beyond the immediate concerns of infection, the physical expansion of the abdomen creates mechanical issues for a new or healing navel piercing. As the uterus grows, the skin around the navel is placed under increasing tension, which can lead to stretching and distortion of the piercing channel. This mechanical stress can cause the jewelry to migrate, leading to the body pushing the foreign object out (rejection).
The increased vascularity of the abdominal area during pregnancy also causes the skin to swell and become more prone to bleeding or injury if irritated. A piercing that is forced to stretch can become thin and fragile, increasing the likelihood of small tears or surface damage around the fistula. This stretching can result in permanent scarring or an elongated piercing channel that may not fully contract back to its original state after delivery.
Furthermore, the navel itself often flattens or protrudes, commonly referred to as an “outie,” during the later stages of pregnancy. This anatomical change alters the integrity of the tissue surrounding the piercing, making it uncomfortable or impossible to maintain the jewelry.
Guidelines for Existing Navel Piercings
For those with a fully healed navel piercing, managing the existing fistula is the primary concern. It is generally safe to keep a well-healed piercing during the first trimester, but monitoring for discomfort or tightness is important. Most medical professionals recommend removing the metal jewelry by the second trimester, or as soon as the abdomen begins to expand and cause strain.
If the wearer wishes to maintain the piercing channel, a flexible, non-metallic retainer made from materials like Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or BioPlast is often recommended. These materials are inert and flexible, minimizing tension on the stretched skin. However, if the area becomes excessively tight, red, or painful, the jewelry should be removed immediately to prevent tear injuries and scarring.
All metal jewelry must be removed before labor, delivery, or any hospital procedure, such as a Cesarean section. This standard medical protocol prevents interference with medical equipment and reduces the risk of injury. After the baby is born and the abdomen has had time to return to its pre-pregnancy state (which can take several months), the piercing can typically be reinserted or tapered open by a professional, if necessary.