Tattooing During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Is It Safe? Expert Advice

hontattoostudio
Jul 3
6 min read

"I wanted to get a new tattoo while waiting for my baby, but I was so anxious about 'what if.' It was only after a frank and professional consultation at Hon Tattoo Studio that I finally felt at ease." – Yuna K., New Mother & Client

Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most special moments in life. This period marks a precious journey of nurturing and caring for a new life. However, for tattoo enthusiasts, a common concern may arise: Is it okay to get a tattoo during pregnancy? Is it safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding? We frequently meet expectant parents who are confused because they can't find clear answers to these questions.

While a plethora of information circulates online, accurate guidance regarding body art during such a sensitive period is hard to come by, and misinformation can only fuel anxiety. As your trusted tattoo studio in Toronto, Hon Tattoo Studio deeply empathizes with your concerns and aims to provide clear, responsible information on this important matter.

Tattoos are a beautiful way to express yourself, but during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it's not just about you.' Many individuals grapple with vague anxieties, guilt, or a tiny spark of hope – 'what if it's okay?' – regarding tattoo procedures during this time.

We deeply understand the hesitation of expectant parents who want a tattoo but worry about harming their baby, or who feel overwhelmed by conflicting information. It pains us to see clients struggle with regret or anxiety over potentially making a wrong choice that could affect their baby.

When considering a tattoo procedure during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the core issues we face can be structured into three main concerns:

Potential Impact on the Baby (Ink & Infection): Is there a risk of tattoo ink components being transferred to the fetus or breast milk? Could infections from the procedure harm the baby?
Mother's Physical & Mental Health and Recovery: Can the mother's body, sensitive during pregnancy, withstand a tattoo procedure? Are there concerns about pain, stress, or the healing process post-procedure?
Ethical & Professional Responsibility of Artists and Studios: Why do many reputable tattoo studios and artists advise against or refuse procedures during this period?

1. Potential Impact on the Baby (Ink & Infection)

Uncertainty of Ink Components: Tattoo inks are not regulated as strictly as medical drugs. While modern, high-quality inks are generally considered safe, there is no clear and long-term research on the possibility of their microscopic particles being absorbed into the bloodstream, crossing the placental barrier, or transferring into breast milk. Even in trace amounts, the potential for unknown risks cannot be entirely ruled out.
Increased Risk of Infection: Any tattoo procedure involves needles and thus carries a risk of infection. No matter how hygienic a studio is, 100% elimination of infection risk is impossible. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals may experience changes in their immune system, potentially making them more susceptible to infections. If an infection occurs, it can affect not only the mother's health but also the fetus or baby. While extremely low, there is also a theoretical risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV.

2. Mother's Physical & Mental Health and Recovery

Changes in Pain Threshold: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter a woman's pain threshold. Pain that might normally be tolerable could feel much more intense, causing unnecessary stress for the expectant mother.
Skin Changes: During pregnancy, the skin can become dry, stretched, or swollen due to hormonal shifts and weight gain, and elasticity may decrease. These changes can hinder the even settling of tattoo pigments, affect the outcome of the procedure, or prolong the healing process. Furthermore, skin stretching could potentially distort the tattoo design over time.
Immune System & Healing Capacity: To protect the fetus, the mother's immune system undergoes some modulation during pregnancy. This can affect the wound healing process, potentially leading to slower healing of the tattoo or a slightly increased risk of complications. During breastfeeding, the body is still in a recovery phase and requires ample rest and nutrition.
Positional Discomfort: Lying in a specific position for an extended period, as required for a tattoo procedure, can be very uncomfortable for pregnant individuals and, in some cases, may not be advisable for the fetus.

3. Ethical & Professional Responsibility of Artists and Studios

Safety Uncertainty: Due to the various uncertainties mentioned above, most responsible tattoo studios and artists do not recommend, and may even refuse, to perform tattoos on pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. This is out of professional ethical duty to prioritize the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.
Legal Implications: If a procedure is performed under circumstances where potential risks are unknown, and complications arise, the studio and artist could face significant legal liabilities. This is not merely a business concern, but a matter involving responsibility for life and health.

Baby's health: An uncompromising top priority.
Mother's body: Rest and recovery are paramount during this time.
Uncertain risks: There's no need to take them.
Professionals prioritize: Your and your baby's safety come first.
Beautiful tattoos: They can wait.

Recommended Timing for Tattooing Before/After Pregnancy:

So, when is the safest time to get a tattoo?

Before Pregnancy: If you are planning a pregnancy, completing your tattoo before conception is the safest and most worry-free approach. It's best to allow ample time for your tattoo to fully heal before trying to conceive.
After Childbirth and Breastfeeding: After childbirth, your body needs time to fully recover. It is generally recommended to consider a tattoo procedure only after breastfeeding has completely ended. Getting a tattoo when your body has fully recovered, hormone levels have stabilized, and the possibility of affecting your baby has entirely ceased is the wisest choice. We typically recommend waiting at least 6 months to a year after childbirth, and a significant period after breastfeeding has concluded.

Eco-Friendly & Hypoallergenic Pigment Options: Hon Tattoo Studio prioritizes our clients' health and safety, adhering to the highest quality ink standards and hygiene practices. Most of the inks we use are vegan-friendly, low in heavy metals, and designed to be eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, minimizing skin irritation and enhancing long-term safety during general procedures. However, it's crucial to remember that even these inks can still be an uncertain factor during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is because there is very little clinical research on their specific effects on pregnant individuals or babies, even if the ink components themselves are generally considered safe.

"Hon Tattoo Studio advised against a tattoo when I mentioned my pregnancy plans, telling me to come back after childbirth. Thanks to them, I could focus on my baby without worry. They are truly a trustworthy studio." – Jihyun S., Expectant Mother & Client

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are the most crucial times for your body and your baby. A beautiful tattoo can accompany you at any stage of your life. Hon Tattoo Studio is always here to address your concerns, helping you embark on your tattoo journey at the safest time and in the safest way possible.

If you have any questions, please consult our experts. Your health is our top priority.

📍 Visit Hon Tattoo Studio: 6293 Yonge St, North York, ON M2M 3X6

📞 Phone: (905) 604-5102

🌐 Find more information & book a consultation online: www.hontattoo.com

📸 Check out our latest tattoo work & updates: https://www.instagram.com/hontattoostudio/

Or contact us now to ask us anything about tattoos and breastfeeding by clicking the button below.

Have a question?

PS – Tattooing During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding FAQs

Q: Is it ever okay to get a tattoo during pregnancy? A: Most professionals and responsible tattoo studios do not recommend or will refuse tattoo procedures during pregnancy due to uncertainties regarding ink component transfer to the fetus and infection risks.

Q: Is it safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding? A: While less risky than during pregnancy, the possibility of ink components or infection risks transferring through breast milk cannot be ruled out. Therefore, most studios recommend waiting until breastfeeding has ended.

Q: Are eco-friendly or hypoallergenic inks safe during pregnancy? A: Eco-friendly/hypoallergenic inks enhance safety for general procedures, but there's still insufficient research on their specific effects on pregnant individuals or babies. A cautious approach is still necessary.

Q: Are there safe ways to announce my pregnancy without a tattoo? A: Absolutely! Creative and safe methods include pregnancy announcement parties, artful maternity photo shoots using belly paint, or special apparel/props to share your joyous news.

Q: What should I do if I already got a tattoo while pregnant? A: If you've already received a tattoo, closely monitor the tattooed area with your obstetrician and watch for any signs of infection (redness, pain, fever, etc.).