Navel or back tattoos when pregnant

Due to the location of the navel to the umbilical cord that feeds the foetus’ healthy development, tattoos are not advised when pregnant. Pigment or dye ink chemicals can enter the blood stream via the skin and harm the developing baby. Infection from the wounds caused by the needles is also higher, and with raised stress levels, can also make the foetus more susceptible to infection.

Existing tattoos are a risk in pregnancy

As previously also mentioned, some tattoo dyes have metallic trace that is not compatible with scans or diagnostic procedures using magnetic fields because of possibility of burns. In addition, research has shown that when anaesthesiologists place an epidural needle through tattoo ink that the dye can infiltrate the puncture wound and cause infection or contamination. For this reason, care should also be taken with where tattoos are placed before pregnancy. Existing tattoos therefore also place a risk to pregnancy.

Tattoos and Pregnancy:

• Tattoos and Pregnancy
• Pregnancy and maintaining existing tattoos
• Pregnancy and re-inking existing tattoos
• Deciding on a new tattoo after conception
• Tattoo Ink: Temporary or Henna

• Health risks: New tattoos and pregnancy
• Breast tattoos and breast feeding
• Navel or back tattoos when pregnant
• Pregnancy, tattoos, and stress
• Tattoos and Regulation