During pregnancy, expectant mothers need to be extra vigilant about a number of factors, including tattoos. Indeed, going under the needle of a tattoo artist can be dangerous for the health of the baby. Focus on this practice with Dr Benattar.
Pregnant, you wanted to get tattooed impatiently? You will have to wait until the end of your pregnancy. We explain why.
What are the risks of a tattoo?
Tattoos are strongly discouraged during pregnancy, especially because of the risk of infectious diseases, as indicated by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health. "These practices involve health risks related to the practices and products. […] Regulations also limit the use of certain products and substances in tattoo inks in order to prevent toxic risks."
Thus, Dr. Benattar, medical and obstetrical gynecologist, strongly advises against tattoos for pregnant women, especially in the case of injection of dye to color the tattoo. "It is enough that the eel used is not well disinfected or it is not disposable, for the infections to set in. If there is an injection of color, the risk of catching hepatitis B or even staphylococcus is increased, and even HIV is high because the coloring is toxic, it penetrates under the dermis of the skin ", she specifies.
Is it possible to put an epidural on a tattoo?
This loco-regional anesthesia technique consists of injecting a local anesthetic or an opioid into the epidural space to relieve pain. If you have a tattoo, "There is no contraindication", says Dr. Benattar. "The epidural is done in the lower back, but if the tattoo is there, the healthcare professional will just have to go around the tattoo."
Pregnant, is my tattoo at risk of deforming?
During pregnancy, the skin is made to relax and stretch, which can lead to deformities in your tattoo. However, this feature only concerns the stomach and not other parts of the body. “During pregnancy, the tattoo does not move unless it is on the stomach or around the belly button, because the skin is separated. At this time, the tattoo may become deformed ”, insists the expert.
Possible to get a tattoo while breastfeeding?
As with pregnancy, breastfeeding can also be a source of direct contamination to the baby. “While breastfeeding, I also advise women not to get a tattoo because there is a risk that the baby will catch bacteria that may have developed in the wrong direction. "
What are the alternatives to tattoos?
If you want to get a tattoo, you can always turn to henna. Indeed, the henna paste is made from the powder of the Lawsonia inermis plant, it is applied simply with a tip, without the use of a needle. "The henna is simply applied and not injected into the skin, so there is no risk", reassures the pediatrician. Ephemeral, henna tattoos are the perfect compromise.