I’m Kayla. I love ink. I have nine tattoos—tiny fern behind my ear, a line rose on my rib, a big moth on my forearm. So when I got pregnant, I asked the same thing you’re asking: Can I get a tattoo while pregnant?
I’ve unpacked the biggest myths, medical notes, and shop policies in even more depth in my no-fluff breakdown of getting tattooed while pregnant if you want an extra layer of research.
Here’s my story, with the good, the bad, and the stuff I didn’t expect.
My two pregnancies, two choices
With my first baby (2019), I was 12 weeks when I wanted a small wrist tattoo—a sparrow outline. I walked into Red River Tattoo in Austin. My artist, Phil, looked me in the eye and said, “Congrats! But we don’t tattoo anyone pregnant.” No drama. Just firm. He explained infection risk. He also said insurance rules. I felt bummed, then weirdly relieved. I waited.
With my second (2023), I tried again at 15 weeks. This time, I only wanted a dot touch-up. Tiny. I thought, how risky could it be? My OB shook her head and said, “I can’t OK it. Your body fights infection differently now.” You know what? That stuck. I waited again.
Eight weeks after I gave birth, I got both: the sparrow and the touch-up. They healed slow because, well, newborn life, but they healed clean.
So can you get a tattoo while pregnant? Some places might say yes. Most good shops I know say no. And me? I chose no, twice.
What my body told me (and I didn’t expect)
- Smell and nausea: The antiseptic smell and machine buzz made me queasy during pregnancy. I had to step outside during a consult. Not cute.
- Pain felt “spicy”: My pain felt sharper than usual. Hormones? Sleep? Both. If you’re wondering whether numbing creams could take the edge off, I tested a stack of them in this hands-on review so you can see what actually worked.
- Lying still was hard: Past 20 weeks, lying flat can make you lightheaded. My hips protested too. Short sessions only? Maybe—but even 30 minutes felt long.
- Skin was stretchier: My belly and chest skin changed fast. Lines blur when skin grows. A crisp line now may warp later. My friend Mia’s side tattoo got wavy by month eight. It still looks cool, just not the same.
The real risks my artist and OB flagged
- Infection: This is the big one. If a tattoo gets infected, you might need antibiotics. Some meds are tricky in pregnancy. That’s the part that made me pause.
- Blood safety: A clean shop uses single-use needles, fresh ink caps, and a sterilizer (autoclave). If a shop cuts corners, you risk hepatitis or worse. That’s rare at good shops—but it’s a risk you don’t take while growing a baby.
- Allergic reactions: I’ve seen red ink cause rashes. During pregnancy, your immune system acts a bit odd. Reactions can hit harder.
- Epidural worries: Old rumor says you can’t get an epidural with a lower-back tattoo. Not true for healed tattoos. But a fresh lower-back tattoo near delivery? That can be a problem. Needles avoid fresh, irritated skin.
I know, that sounds heavy. But it’s real life. And it helped me breathe and wait.
For additional medical consensus, you can skim WebMD’s breakdown of tattoo safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding and Healthline’s clinician-reviewed guide on whether it’s safe to get ink while expecting. Both echo the same caution my OB and artist shared.
What the shops actually said (real talk)
- Red River Tattoo (Austin): “We won’t tattoo you while pregnant or nursing.” They were kind and firm.
- Black Orchid (Tulsa): The counter person said, “Wait until your OB gives the green light after birth.” They even wrote me a note with aftercare tips for later.
- One smaller studio (no name, by choice): They said yes over the phone, cash only, no questions. That was a nope from me. If they cut corners on intake, what else?
For a deeper dive into safe, reputable studios, I like scrolling through Tattoo Road Trip to see honest shop reviews and artist spotlights before I ever book.
My quick safety checklist (if you still plan to ask)
I’m not your doctor. I’m just sharing what I look for—pregnant or not.
- Single-use needles opened in front of you (in sealed pouches with dates).
- Fresh ink poured into small disposable caps, not dipped from big bottles mid-session.
- Autoclave logs or spore test records—ask to see them. A good shop won’t flinch.
- Artist wears new gloves, uses barrier film on grips, bottles, and the bed.
- They clean your skin with antiseptic and shave with a fresh razor.
- They turn away clients who are sick, drunk, or pregnant. Yes, that last one shows standards.
If a shop gets weird when you ask questions, that’s your sign to walk.
Placement matters more than people think
- Belly, ribs, breasts: These change size during pregnancy and nursing. Lines can blur. Colors can shift.
- Lower back: Fresh ink near a due date isn’t smart if you need an epidural soon.
- Ankles and feet: Swelling happens. Swollen skin heals slow and can scab more.
- Safer later: Forearm, shoulder, or calf after birth? Those spots held sharp lines best for me.
Aftercare while pregnant is tricky
You usually avoid hot tubs and long baths anyway. But after a fresh tattoo, you also avoid sun, sweating, and harsh lotions. I used fragrance-free ointment postpartum (Aquaphor worked for me). During pregnancy though, even picking a lotion felt like a math test. Another reason I waited.
If you want a full checklist of wash-day schedules, bandage swaps, and what to do when the itch hits at 2 a.m., my step-by-step routine is laid out in these detailed aftercare instructions.
What I did instead (and liked)
- Henna, real henna: Brown-red paste, plant-based. I did a floral cuff at a baby shower. Felt sweet. Don’t use “black henna.” It can burn skin.
- Jagua gel: Blue-black fruit gel. I patch-tested first. It looked like a tattoo for a week or two and kept me happy till the real deal.
- Fine-line temporary tattoos: I tried a tiny moon on my wrist. It scratched the itch.
While I was sidelined from real ink and spending most nights on the couch, I hunted for adult-only distractions that felt a bit more exciting than yet another Netflix marathon. One surprisingly fun rabbit hole was JerkMate, a live-cam platform where you can choose performers, set the vibe, and enjoy completely private, interactive shows—perfect for blowing off steam and giving yourself a confidence boost without ever leaving the house.
While we’re on the subject of low-effort, grown-up escapes, Wisconsin readers who want something local and in-person can browse Backpage Waukesha for curated, nearby listings that range from casual coffee dates to relaxing massage services, letting you stay social without straying far from home or committing to a big night out.
If you still want ink now, make it tiny and smart
- Talk to your OB first. Short visit, simple answer.
- Book a consult only. No needles yet. Ask the safety questions.
- Keep it small, far from belly and lower back.
- Be ready to walk away. Your baby beats your tattoo. Every time.
My bottom line
Can you get tattoos while pregnant? Some folks do. Many shops won’t. I chose to wait, twice, and I’m glad. The sparrow looks crisp. The dot is perfect. And I had one less thing to worry about when I was already tired, hungry, and crying over cereal at 3 a.m. (It happens.)
If you’re itching for ink, sketch the idea, save it to your notes, and book the appointment for after your postpartum check. The art isn’t going anywhere. Your peace of mind? That’s gold.
If you’re already dreaming about future family pieces, you might like the story behind the mom-and-son tattoos my kid and I finally got once he was old enough to sit in the chair with me.
If you want, tell me your idea and where