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Can I Get Pierced While Pregnant?
Jun
At Identity Body Piercing, we care deeply about every client’s health, safety, and long-term comfort—especially when navigating major life changes like pregnancy. Whether you’re currently expecting, trying to conceive, or just thinking ahead, it’s important to understand how pregnancy can affect your body and what that means for both new and existing piercings.
Can I Get Pierced While Pregnant?
While it’s not illegal or strictly prohibited, most professional piercing studios—including Identity—strongly recommend against getting pierced during pregnancy. Here’s why:
– Immune System Changes: Pregnancy naturally suppresses the immune system, which can increase your risk of infection and slow down the healing process.
– Body Changes: Your body goes through rapid transformations—especially in areas like the navel and breasts—so piercings in these zones may become uncomfortable, distorted, or prone to rejection.
– Healing Time: Fresh piercings require consistent aftercare, but fatigue, hormone shifts, and lifestyle changes can make this harder to manage during pregnancy.
– Medical Considerations: In the unlikely event that complications arise, treatments or medications could be limited due to pregnancy restrictions.
Because of these factors, we do not perform piercings on individuals who are pregnant, and we encourage waiting until after childbirth and the postpartum recovery period.
What If I Already Have Piercings?
If you’re already pierced, you don’t necessarily need to remove your jewelry, but here are some tips:
Navel Piercings: As your belly grows, your navel jewelry might become tight or irritated. Consider switching to a flexible PTFE barbell or removing the jewelry temporarily.
Nipple Piercings: If you plan to breastfeed, removing nipple jewelry before nursing is essential to avoid choking hazards and irritation. Some people choose to retire these piercings altogether during this time.
Monitor for Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes cause even long-healed piercings to swell, become tender, or behave unpredictably. Don’t hesitate to visit your piercer for a check-in if anything feels off.
When Is It Safe to Get Pierced After Pregnancy?
– Every body is different, and recovery timelines vary, but as a general rule:
– Wait until your doctor clears you postpartum, especially if you had a C-section or complications.
– Give yourself time to heal physically and adjust emotionally—new piercings require attention, and you deserve to be fully ready.
– If breastfeeding, remember that some jewelry types and placements (like nipple piercings) may need to wait until weaning is complete.
We usually recommend waiting at least 3–6 months postpartum before considering any new piercings—longer if you’re still nursing or healing.
Ready When You Are
We’re here when the time is right—whether that’s now, later, or even years down the line. If you have questions about safe piercing practices before, during, or after pregnancy, feel free to reach out or book a consultation. Your comfort and safety always come first at Identity Body Piercing.
Book online or visit us as a walk-in everyday from 12pm -8pm at our two Chicago Locations:
– Roscoe Village: 2256 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
– Wicker Park: 1514 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622