GUIDE

Tattoos During Pregnancy

Most medical providers recommend waiting until after delivery to get a new tattoo. The risks are small but avoidable.

There is no definitive research proving tattoos are harmful during pregnancy, but there is also no research proving they are safe. The main concerns are infection risk (which is elevated during pregnancy due to immune system changes) and the unknown safety profile of tattoo inks. Existing tattoos are completely fine — they do not affect your pregnancy.

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Why Most Providers Say Wait

The recommendation to wait is precautionary, not based on evidence of harm. No study has proven that tattoos cause pregnancy complications, but no study has proven they are safe either. When it comes to pregnancy, the medical community generally takes a "when in doubt, wait" approach.

The primary concern is infection. Getting a tattoo creates an open wound, and any open wound carries a risk of bacterial infection. During pregnancy, your immune system is naturally modified (it downregulates certain responses to prevent rejecting the fetus), which can make infections slightly harder to fight. A serious skin infection during pregnancy could require antibiotics and, in rare cases, could affect the baby.

The secondary concern is tattoo ink composition. Tattoo inks are not regulated by the FDA for injection and can contain heavy metals, plasticizers, and other chemicals. Whether these substances cross the placenta in meaningful amounts is unknown. For other products that come in contact with your skin during pregnancy, see our essential oils guide.

Reasons to Wait Until After Delivery

Infection risk — pregnancy alters your immune system, making you slightly more susceptible to infection. A tattoo is an open wound that needs to heal.
Tattoo ink safety is unknown — tattoo inks are not regulated by the FDA for injection into skin, and their chemical composition varies. The effects of ink components on a developing baby have not been studied.
Skin changes during pregnancy — increased blood flow, hormonal skin changes, and swelling can affect how a tattoo heals and how the final result looks.
Hepatitis B and C risk — while reputable studios follow strict sterilization protocols, the consequences of a bloodborne infection during pregnancy are severe.
Pain sensitivity — many people report increased pain sensitivity during pregnancy, which can make the tattooing process more uncomfortable.

These risks are relatively small for any individual tattoo session, but they are entirely avoidable by waiting a few months.

Your Existing Tattoos Are Fine

Existing tattoos are safe — ink is encapsulated in the skin and does not affect the baby
Tattoos on the abdomen may stretch — they usually return close to their original appearance postpartum
Breast tattoos do not affect breastfeeding — ink does not enter milk ducts
Lower back tattoos do not prevent epidurals — this is a myth
Color and appearance may change temporarily during pregnancy due to skin stretching and hormonal changes

There is no reason to worry about tattoos you already have. The ink is sealed in your skin and poses no risk to your pregnancy.

Planning a baby-related tattoo?

Many parents want a tattoo to commemorate their baby — a name, birthdate, or footprint. Waiting until after delivery means you can include specific details like the exact birth date, birth weight, or even your baby's actual footprint. It also means you can heal without the competing demands of pregnancy recovery.

If You Decide to Get a Tattoo Anyway

Wait until the second trimester at minimum — the first trimester is the most critical period of fetal development
Choose a licensed, reputable tattoo studio that follows strict sterilization protocols
Verify the studio uses single-use needles and follows universal precautions
Avoid tattoos on the abdomen, breasts, or areas likely to stretch significantly
Follow aftercare instructions meticulously to minimize infection risk
Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever — seek medical attention immediately if any occur

If you make an informed decision to proceed, these precautions minimize the risks.

The Bottom Line

Tattoos during pregnancy fall into the "probably fine, but why risk it" category. The risks are small, the wait is finite, and you can get your tattoo after delivery without any of the uncertainty. If you already have tattoos, there is nothing to worry about.

For other common safety questions during pregnancy, see our hair dye during pregnancy guide, our pregnancy skincare guide, and our pregnancy-safe medications guide. For overall prenatal care, check our prenatal visit schedule.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.

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