The decision to maintain a nipple piercing during pregnancy and the subsequent post-partum period involves balancing personal preference with medical and safety considerations. As the body changes dramatically, particularly the breasts, the jewelry presents unique challenges related to tissue health, medical procedures, and infant safety. Understanding the specific risks associated with each phase—gestation, delivery, and nursing—is essential for making an informed choice.
Safety Concerns During Pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy often lead to increased fluid retention, which can cause significant swelling in the breasts and nipple tissue. This edema increases the risk of the jewelry becoming too tight, potentially leading to the metal embedding into the skin and complicating removal. The pressure from a tight piercing can also trigger migration or rejection, where the body perceives the jewelry as a foreign object and attempts to push it out.
The growing breast size also introduces a heightened risk of physical trauma to the piercing site. Jewelry can snag on clothing, bedding, or bras, causing painful tearing or irritation to the delicate nipple tissue. Consistent irritation can, in turn, increase the likelihood of a localized infection, which may require medical intervention. Any signs of discomfort, redness, or discharge should prompt a conversation with a healthcare provider.
Mandatory Removal Timing
All body piercings, including those on the nipple, must be removed before certain medical procedures, especially those that might occur during labor and delivery. Most hospital policies mandate the removal of all metal jewelry upon admission to the labor and delivery ward. This requirement exists primarily due to the potential need for an emergency cesarean section or other surgical interventions.
Metal jewelry conducts electricity, posing a serious burn risk if electrocautery devices are used during surgery to seal blood vessels. If general anesthesia is required, all jewelry must be removed, as swelling can occur rapidly, making intubation or removal of tight items extremely difficult and potentially damaging to the tissue. Even if a vaginal birth is planned, the possibility of an unforeseen complication requires the piercing to be removed before or at the start of active labor.
Impact on Breastfeeding
Jewelry must be removed completely before every feeding session to eliminate the risk of the infant swallowing or choking on a loose ball or barbell. The small components of the jewelry can become dislodged during the vigorous movements of a feeding baby, creating a serious hazard.
Leaving the jewelry in place also interferes with the infant’s ability to achieve a deep, effective latch, which is necessary for proper milk transfer. A poor latch can lead to nipple soreness for the parent, inadequate milk intake for the baby, and potentially blocked milk ducts or mastitis. Additionally, the jewelry can mechanically irritate or damage the baby’s delicate palate, gums, or tongue during feeding. Scar tissue from the piercing itself may also cause complications, as it can potentially block one or more of the 8 to 12 milk ducts in the nipple, which may result in a reduced milk flow or an increased risk of infection and inflammation in the breast.
Practical Alternatives and Maintenance
For those who wish to keep the piercing channel open throughout pregnancy and the nursing period, non-metallic, flexible retainers are the recommended solution. Jewelry made from Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other bio-compatible plastics is safe for medical procedures like MRI scans and can be custom-cut to accommodate swelling. These flexible materials minimize irritation and allow the tissue to expand comfortably as the breasts grow.
During the nursing phase, a flexible retainer can be worn between feedings to prevent the channel from closing. Nipple piercings are prone to closing quickly, with some well-healed sites beginning to contract within hours of removing the jewelry. The plastic retainer keeps the fistula open, allowing the metal jewelry to be reinserted once the individual has ceased nursing. After the breastfeeding journey is complete, it is recommended to wait at least three months after milk production has stopped before considering reinserting permanent metal jewelry.