Congratulations on the pregnancy! This is going to be an exciting time of change for you, your body, and your loved ones. Pregnancy is a time of magical creation.
You may think ‘nothing is magical about these first trimester symptoms’ but once you get over the initial sickness and other ugly side effects you can truly appreciate the wonders of the female body.
Many moms feel a little overwhelmed and out of control when it comes to pregnancy. Your body is doing a lot and it is only natural to feel as if you have lost control slightly.
With this in mind, you may want to do something drastic like getting a tattoo or a piercing, but there is a nagging in your conscience “Will this harm me or the baby?” So let’s see can you get a nose piercing while pregnant?
In this article
Can I Get My Nose Pierced While Pregnant?
The majority of advice would lean on the side of ‘no.’ This advice is purely to protect you and your unborn child from possible complications from the piercing.
I know what you are thinking – Piercing my nose is nowhere near the baby to harm him/her?
But that would be wrong, essentially getting your nose pierced is perforating the skin and requires good sanitation, healing time, and extra care to avoid infection.
Whilst infection risk can be small your immune system is not working at 100% while you are pregnant. This leaves you more vulnerable to infections that could harm you both.
Doctors also suggest that during pregnancy any mom-to-be should try and stay away from any stress and pain. Having a new piercing could well cause both of these things, and that is not good for your baby or you for that matter.
You may already find that you are exhausted from doing very little already in your pregnancy. This is purely down to your body working overdrive to help create the perfect home for your growing baby.
The next 9 months are going to be hard work for your body, why put extra pressure on it by making it heal a new piercing as well?
Read The Risks But Are Still Considering A Nose Piercing?
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You wouldn’t be alone to think this. Pregnancy can be a time where you feel fantastic or to be truthful god damn awful at times. You may find the urge to be in charge of your body once more. Do something that you can be in control of.
Consider the following precautions if you are going to take the plunge and get a piercing.
A Registered studio
Finding somewhere that does piercings day in and day out can help minimize some risks. They are qualified trained professionals that can give you the best advice for aftercare.
Sterile
When arriving at the studio you should be met by a clean room, walls, floors, and beds should be clean and equipment should be sterile, you can even ask them to open the needle in front of you so you know it is the first time it’s being used.
The same goes for the dressings they use after the procedure. Whilst you can be as sterile as possible pesky germs and infections can still survive and therefore you cannot guarantee that you won’t catch an infection.
Infected Piercings While Pregnant
Having a piercing that has become infected is no fun and being pregnant with an infected piercing can be dangerous!
When pregnant your immune system is not running at 100% and with a piercing you are opening your body up to bacteria and other germs which could make you and your baby very ill.
A worst-case scenario would be where moms go get their piercings from unlicensed studios that may not sterilize as they should. They then leave themselves open to the risk of catching Hepatitis A, B, or even HIV/AIDs.
In some cases, bacteria that can enter the bloodstream could go directly to the baby via the umbilical cord and cause further complications for your unborn child.
If you have recently had a piercing and feel unwell at all ensure you talk to a doctor for the best advice. They can recommend the next steps to help protect you and your baby.
I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant!
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After reading through this article you may find yourself freaking out a bit, especially if you didn’t know you were pregnant at the time.
The upside to this is that getting a piercing in the first trimester of pregnancy can make it easier for you to care for and look after it.
You are yet to have a growing belly and breasts so apart from those pesky first trimester symptoms you may feel ‘normal’ even though your body is doing something magical inside.
If you are looking after a piercing it is important to ensure you establish a good cleaning routine.
- Wash the piercing with saline at least twice daily.
- Using essential oils such as tee tree can aid the healing process but check that you are allowed to use them whilst pregnant.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in greens to promote the healing process in your cells.
- Try not to touch the new piercing, germs and bacteria can be transferred if you fiddle too much with it.
Can I Wear My Piercing Whilst Pregnant?
Whilst it is discouraged that any pregnant mom gets a new piercing you may be thinking about the piercings you already have. Over time our bodies have become a fashion statement and we find that more people seem to be getting different body parts pierced.
Face piercings
Generally, there is no reason to take these piercings out whilst pregnant unless you see signs of infection. People can have pierced ears, noses, eyebrows, lips, tongue, etc.
The list is endless. Generally whilst pregnant these piercings are not going to hinder your body whilst it is busy growing your baby.
Nipple piercings
During pregnancy, your breasts become tender and more sensitive never mind the fact they grow in size. If you start to feel uncomfortable then it would be best to remove the piercing but everyone’s skin is different so it would come down to personal choice and comfort.
Belly Piercings
As your belly grows and expands the choice for this one may be taken out of your hands. Your skin stretches during pregnancy which could mean the piercing may be forced out on its own.
If you wish to keep the piercing then there are maternity belly bars you can buy which are plastic and grow with your expanding belly.
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Genital piercings
Whilst these piercings pose no risk to you during pregnancy they may start to feel uncomfortable due to the extra blood flow in the genital area.
Many women feel as if they can also become fairly swollen as their pregnancy continues and their body prepares for birth.
Your midwife may ask you to remove the piercing before labor because there is a risk that it could get caught on your baby and cause a tear. Let’s be honest ladies …. we don’t want to tare if we can help it.
FAQs
Can I get my nails done while pregnant?
In most cases, it’s safe to get manicures and pedicures during your pregnancy. You’ll likely hear all sorts of opinions on beauty treatments and other activities during your pregnancy. In the end, the decision is up to you and your doctor.
Can I get a tattoo while pregnant?
The main concern with getting a tattoo during pregnancy is the risk of contracting an infection, such as Hepatitis B and HIV. Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born.
What piercings can you get while pregnant?
During pregnancy, it is not recommended for you to get any new piercings due to infection risk but piercings that are already healed like earrings and nose rings are safe to keep.
You don’t necessarily have to ditch piercings in your nipples or belly button either but some women find that they become uncomfortable as their skin stretches.
The Final Thought
Overall piercings whilst pregnant are deemed to be ok providing they are not new and are not causing any problems. If you were to decide to have a piercing whilst pregnant you would have to ensure that the professional carrying out the piercing is aware you are pregnant.
It is also important to remember that whilst older piercings can stay in place, providing there are no risks to you and your unborn baby, some births end up in theatre for assisted delivery or cesarean section.
Hospital policies on piercings are they are to be taped up or removed before surgery. It boils down to whether you want to take the risk and get a new piercing only for it to be removed for delivery.
The choice is yours but please make sure you know and understand the risks involved.
