The medical community generally advises against getting a new tattoo while pregnant. This guidance is based on managing potential health risks that could affect both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Primary concerns involve the possibility of infection, the unknown effects of tattoo ink chemicals, and potential complications during childbirth procedures. Due to limited research on the direct effects of tattooing during gestation, professionals recommend waiting until after delivery to minimize unnecessary exposure to risk.
Infection Risks and Bloodborne Pathogens
A primary concern with new tattoos during pregnancy is the heightened risk of contracting an infection. Tattooing involves repeatedly puncturing the skin, creating an open wound susceptible to bacterial contamination. Localized bacterial infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria, can be complicated to manage during pregnancy. Systemic infections like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are also possible if equipment is not properly sterilized.
More serious are the risks of acquiring a bloodborne pathogen if the tattoo equipment is contaminated. These pathogens include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). If a pregnant person contracts Hepatitis B, there is a high likelihood of passing the infection to the baby at birth, which can lead to a lifelong infection.
Any serious infection requires medical treatment. The use of certain antibiotics or antiviral medications during pregnancy may be restricted or carry risks to the fetus. The body’s immune system is naturally altered during pregnancy, potentially making the expectant mother more susceptible to infections.
Chemical Safety and Ink Ingredients
The chemical composition of tattoo ink presents another layer of uncertainty for pregnant individuals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate tattoo inks, meaning ingredients vary widely between manufacturers. Many tattoo pigments are synthetic organic dyes, but some may also contain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, or arsenic.
A theoretical concern exists that these chemical components could enter the mother’s bloodstream and potentially cross the placental barrier, especially during the first trimester when the fetus’s organs are developing. While most ink particles remain trapped in the skin’s dermis layer, trace amounts of pigment and carrier chemicals can migrate to the lymph nodes. There is currently a lack of definitive research that specifically tracks the effects of these ink chemicals on a developing human fetus.
Tattoos Near the Epidural Site
A specific concern relates to tattoos placed on the lower back, an area often used for administering epidural or spinal anesthesia during labor and delivery. Anesthesiologists must insert a needle through the skin to reach the epidural space. The primary, though rare, concern is that the needle could potentially carry small fragments of pigmented skin or bacteria from the tattoo into the spinal canal.
This introduction of foreign material could theoretically lead to complications such as an infection or a condition known as pigment granuloma. To mitigate this risk, anesthesiologists often attempt to insert the needle through an area of clear, untattooed skin. If the tattoo fully covers the insertion site, the provider may make a small incision to clear the path before performing the procedure.