The decision of whether to remove nipple piercings during pregnancy requires balancing personal comfort with medical safety and future plans. This choice often evolves as the pregnancy progresses, involving considerations during the nine months, at delivery, and for those who choose to nurse. The ultimate decision depends on the body’s reaction to hormonal changes, the need for medical procedures, and the desire to breastfeed.
Physical Changes and Risks During Pregnancy
Hormonal shifts throughout pregnancy cause significant physical changes to the breasts, complicating the presence of metal jewelry. Increased blood flow and hormonal stimulation often lead to breast and nipple enlargement, sometimes starting in the first trimester. This natural swelling can cause the existing jewelry to become too tight, creating uncomfortable pressure and irritation within the piercing channel.
The skin around the piercing may experience increased tension, and constant friction from tight jewelry can lead to localized trauma. Pregnancy also suppresses the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. An irritated piercing site harbors an increased risk of bacterial infection, potentially leading to more serious conditions like mastitis or breast abscesses.
Leaving the jewelry in also poses a mechanical risk, as the piercing can catch on clothing or other objects. If the breast tissue grows significantly, there is a small risk that the tissue could grow around the piercing, potentially requiring surgical removal. For these reasons, many people opt to remove the jewelry or switch to a flexible alternative as early as the second trimester.
When Jewelry Must Be Removed for Procedures
All metal jewelry, including nipple piercings, must be removed for safety in non-negotiable medical situations. Hospital protocols mandate the removal of metal for surgical procedures, including planned and emergency cesarean sections. The primary reason is the use of electrocautery devices during surgery, which use an electrical current to seal bleeding blood vessels. Metal jewelry conducts this electricity, posing a serious risk of electrical burn to the patient’s skin.
Removal is also required for certain diagnostic imaging procedures, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The powerful magnetic fields can cause metal to heat up or move. While routine ultrasounds usually do not require removal, extensive or specialized imaging may necessitate it. Furthermore, during labor and delivery, all jewelry is typically removed as a precautionary measure to ensure no delay occurs if an emergency arises, such as the need for defibrillation or rapid intubation.
Nursing Safety and Nipple Piercings
If the individual plans to breastfeed, the piercing must be removed completely before every feeding session for the infant’s safety. The jewelry presents a serious choking or aspiration hazard if it becomes accidentally dislodged or inhaled by the baby. Additionally, the metal can interfere with the baby’s ability to achieve a proper latch, which is essential for effective milk transfer and preventing nipple trauma.
The hard material of the jewelry can also pose a risk of injury to the baby’s mouth, potentially causing damage to their gums, palate, or developing teeth. Even with the jewelry removed, the piercing process itself may have caused scar tissue or nerve damage. In some cases, this scarring can potentially block or damage milk ducts, which could affect milk flow or increase the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis.
If the mother chooses to wear the jewelry between feedings, strict hygiene is paramount to prevent the transfer of bacteria to the baby’s mouth. The piercing site should be thoroughly cleaned with mild soap and water before the jewelry is reinserted and again before removal. Consistent removal, cleaning, and reinsertion several times a day is a demanding routine, leading many individuals to leave the jewelry out entirely for the duration of nursing.
Keeping the Piercing Channel Open
For those who remove metal jewelry but wish to preserve the piercing channel, using a specialized retainer is the most effective solution. These retainers are typically made from non-metallic, flexible, and biocompatible materials such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other medical-grade plastics. This material is safe for use during medical procedures like MRIs and surgeries, as it does not conduct electricity or react to magnetic fields.
The flexibility of PTFE is beneficial during pregnancy as it accommodates the natural swelling and growth of the breast tissue without causing pinching or trauma. Nipple piercings, even when fully healed, can begin to shrink or close rapidly, sometimes within hours or days of jewelry removal. Inserting a sterile, flexible retainer ensures that the fistula, the healed channel of tissue, remains open and patent for later reinsertion of metal jewelry.