If you are looking for a straight answer so you can decide on your next bit of body art: It is strongly recommended that you wait until after you have given birth (and ideally after you have finished breastfeeding) before getting a tattoo.
While there is no law in the UK against tattooing a pregnant person, most professional studios will refuse to do so for safety reasons.
The primary concerns are the risk of contracting blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B or HIV, the unknown effects of tattoo ink on a developing baby, and the fact that your immune system is already under major pressure. It is far safer to save that celebratory design for a few months down the line.
My Story: Marking the Journey
As a health and well-being coach, I usually talk with women about how they want to celebrate their pregnancy. For many, getting a tattoo feels like a special way to honour this critical time in their lives. I understand the desire to mark this new chapter in a more meaningful way.
I remember a client who wanted a delicate botanical tattoo on her forearm to represent the month of her due date. She felt a strong urge to get it done right away. However, as we discussed, we considered how her body was changing due to pregnancy. This time brings a lot of physical changes, and getting a tattoo can sometimes affect your energy and health.
Just as I recommended being careful with treatments like microneedling when pregnant or laser hair removal during pregnancy, I believe it’s essential to protect your well-being and limit any risks. Waiting to get your tattoo is not about missing out; it’s about making sure your body is ready to heal correctly and that your baby is safe.
Why Tattoos and Pregnancy Don’t Mix
The reason why we recommend hitting the “pause” button on getting tattoos is because it can be risky. There are very specific biological and safety reasons why getting inked while pregnant is a gamble.
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Risk of Infection
This is the biggest concern when getting a tattoo. A tattoo involves many tiny puncture wounds. Even in a clean and high-quality London studio, any break in the skin can allow bacteria to enter. During pregnancy, your immune system is weaker to protect your baby, which makes you more likely to get infections that you usually wouldn’t.
More seriously, if a needle isn’t sterile, you could catch blood-borne viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C. According to the NHS guidelines on pregnancy safety, these infections can be passed directly to your baby, which leads to severe long-term health complications.
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The Ink Uncertainty
Tattoo inks are not regulated in the same way as medicines. They can contain various pigments, preservatives, and even heavy metals like lead or mercury. While the amount that enters your system is small, we do not have enough research to determine whether these chemicals can cross the placenta and affect a developing foetus, mainly during the crucial first trimester.
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Fainting and Stress
Getting a tattoo can place stress on your body. The pain can trigger adrenaline and stress hormones. Some people might feel dizzy or faint due to lower blood sugar or blood pressure during the process. If you are pregnant, your blood circulation is already under strain, and fainting can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
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Skin Stretching and Distortion
Your skin is going through changes right now. If you have tattoos on your stomach, hips, or breasts, they may stretch and look different as your body expands. After the baby arrives and your skin goes back, those tattoos might not look the way you wanted.
Safe Alternatives for Your Pregnancy Glow
If you want to celebrate your pregnancy with body art, you can just do it without using needles or permanent ink.
- Natural Henna: A lovely way to decorate your belly. Important: Use only natural brown henna. Avoid “black henna,” as it often contains a chemical called PPD, which can cause severe allergic reactions. This is unsafe for everyone, especially for pregnant women.
- Temporary Tattoos: Temporary tattoos have improved a lot. They are fun and safe, and you can change them whenever you want, depending on your mood or how your body changes.
- Maternity Photoshoots: A professional photoshoot can be a great method to capture your strength and beauty during your journey, all without any physical risk.
Quick Comparison: Skin Procedures During Pregnancy
| Procedure | Safety Status | Main Risk |
| Tattooing | Avoid | Infection (Hepatitis/HIV) & Ink toxicity. |
| Microneedling | Avoid | Infection & Hormonal pigmentation. |
| Natural Henna | Safe | Ensure it is 100% natural brown henna. |
| Laser Hair Removal | Avoid | Skin sensitivity & lack of safety data. |
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
Waiting to get your tattoo shows that you care about yourself and your baby. Although it might seem like a long wait, your health and peace of mind are more important than a few months of delay.
Can you have a tattoo when you are pregnant? No, it is best to wait until after birth and once you have finished breastfeeding.
Getting a tattoo during pregnancy is risky. You could get a severe infection, and we don’t know how the ink might affect your unborn baby. Additionally, the physical strain on your body is an unnecessary risk during this critical time.
Focus on small and consistent steps that help your energy and well-being today. Your dream tattoo will still be there to celebrate your strength once your baby arrives.
If you have questions about other habits, like whether you can eat burrata or truffles while pregnant, check out my other guides for clear, professional advice.
