Tattoos and Pregnancy

Tattooing pregnant women is not a good idea. While tattoos and other consumer products are probably safe to pregnant women, there have not been enough studies to prove it, therefore a policy of "better safe than sorry" is a wise one. Case in point, at an Alliance of Professional Tattooists meeting years ago, an artist told us a friend of his brought in a pregnant woman for a tattoo, the artist refused, upsetting both his friend and his prospective client. His friend apologized when three weeks later, the woman miscarried. We were sure the doctor would point fingers at the tattooist had he done the tattoo. So reduce your risk and learn when to say no to your impulses. Or at least wear a rubber, some of you people should not be breeding anyway, your babies will be robbing us at the ATM in 12 years.

Q: I was just about to get a tattoo slightly under my belly button. Someone told me that after I give birth the tattoo will be stretched, and disfigured. Does anyone know if this is true or not?

Agga99

A: This is true, and not! Take things into consideration, including your physical stature, your mother's body, and how well you take care of yourself. My wife, having worked as an assistant to an Ob-Gyn for the past six years, and I, brought it up to her office staff. We all agreed that a tiny woman has a greater tendency to get stretch marks, and also women who take poor care of themselves during pregnancy can also be a factor. If you moisturize your skin, your tattoo is likely to survive. I have seen several tattoos on the pelvic areas survive pregnancy well, but having seen a few that didn't, I believe the decision should be an informed one. This does not apply to tattoos on the lower back.