People instantly become doctors when someone in their home gets pregnant and starts giving free advice like what to do and what not to do. They begin telling things you may already know, like avoiding caffeine and alcohol, doing light exercises, avoiding sushi, etc. If you wonder whether you can get a tattoo in pregnancy, there is still a lack of research. So, your healthcare provider probably won’t recommend it.
Here’s what else you should know before making any decision –
There is Always a Risk of Infection
It is one of the biggest concerns of getting inked when you are pregnant. All parlors are not the same in terms of hygiene standards. Some don’t even comply with minimum safety guidelines to keep their tools and needles sterilized. There is a risk of infection spreading from dirty needles like hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV. It is quite risky, especially for women with pregnancy, as they can pass the infection to their babies. If you have any of these symptoms after getting inked, ask your doctor –
- Chills
- Fever
- Red lesions or pus on the tattoo
- Raised, hard tissue areas
- Discharge with the foul smell from the tattoo area
- Dark lines radiating or growing in or around the area
Tips to Get a Tattoo Safely
To have a pleasant and safe session, be sure to do comparison shopping, and ensure hygiene standards. Here’s what you should do –
- Make sure the studios have a dedicated space for tattooing and piercing and have a clean space
- Do they sterilize equipment and needles? They have a machine named ‘autoclave’ to do so.
- Your artist must wear fresh latex gloves during the procedure.
- Make sure they unpack the needles in your presence. Don’t allow them to use opened needles.
- Also test the ink. It must be in disposable cups that can be thrown off after use.
- Ask about your concerns. A professional tattoo studio will answer all your queries. They may also explain the preparation process.
If you have worries about infection, you may also go for a henna tattoo, which is quite a safer alternative. You can find a lot of intricate designs to choose from. Its paste is also made of ingredients that are considered safe, like sugar, water, and henna powder.
