Is It Safe to Get Pierced During Pregnancy? Piercer Says

Multnomah Body Piercing · 2026-05-15

Is It Safe to Get Pierced During Pregnancy? What Every Expecting Mother Should Know

Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and emotional change, and many expectant mothers wonder whether getting a piercing during this period is safe. The short answer is: it depends on several factors, but with proper precautions and professional guidance, many piercings can be safely performed during pregnancy. As one of Oregon's most experienced piercing studios, Multnomah Body Piercing has worked with countless clients navigating major life changes, and we're here to provide evidence-based information to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.

Understanding the Risks: What Medical Professionals Say About Piercing During Pregnancy

The primary concern with getting pierced during pregnancy centers around infection risk and immune system changes. During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts that can affect how your immune system responds to potential pathogens. According to research published in immunology journals, pregnant women experience a natural shift toward immune tolerance to allow the developing fetus to thrive—but this can make infection management more complex.

The actual risks of piercing during pregnancy include:

• Infection transmission: Bloodborne infections like hepatitis B and C, as well as staph infections, pose greater risks during pregnancy because the infection can potentially affect fetal development
• Delayed healing: Pregnancy hormones can slow wound healing by up to 15-20%, meaning a typical 6-8 week piercing healing timeline might extend considerably
• Keloid formation: Some pregnant women experience increased scarring and keloid development due to elevated collagen production during pregnancy
• Increased sensitivity: Pregnancy hormones can make the skin more sensitive to irritation and trauma

At Multnomah Body Piercing, we always recommend consulting with your obstetrician before scheduling any piercing appointment during pregnancy. Your OB/GYN knows your specific health history and can provide personalized medical advice.

Which Piercings Are Safest During Pregnancy? A Professional Piercer's Perspective

Not all piercings carry equal risk during pregnancy. Surface piercings are generally safer than deep tissue piercings because they involve less trauma and lower infection risk. Here's what professional piercers consider when evaluating safety:

Lower-Risk Piercing Options:

• Ear piercings: Standard lobe piercings have the lowest infection risk because the earlobe has excellent blood flow and is easily kept clean. Most professional studios, including Multnomah Body Piercing, can perform these safely with proper sterilization protocols
• Nostril piercings: Single-side nostril piercings are relatively safe if performed by experienced piercers using sterile techniques, though they carry slightly higher infection risk than ear piercings
• Lip piercings: These have moderate risk due to oral bacteria exposure, but are manageable with meticulous aftercare

Higher-Risk Piercings to Avoid During Pregnancy:

• Navel piercings (especially new ones—existing stretched navels may need jewelry adjustments as the belly grows)
• Genital piercings (significantly elevated infection risk and complications during labor)
• Surface piercings on the body (higher rejection rates and infection risk)
• Tongue piercings (oral bacteria and potential swelling concerns)

Critical Safety Precautions: How to Minimize Piercing Risks While Pregnant

If you've received medical clearance from your obstetrician to proceed with a piercing during pregnancy, implementing rigorous safety precautions is absolutely essential. These measures can reduce infection risk by up to 90% when performed correctly.

Before Your Piercing Appointment:

• Schedule your piercing with a professional, licensed piercer who has specific experience working with pregnant clients
• Verify that the piercing studio uses an autoclave for sterilization and follows APP (Association of Professional Piercers) guidelines—Multnomah Body Piercing maintains these standards as a trusted establishment since 1974
• Disclose your pregnancy status to your piercer so they can take additional precautions
• Request a patch test with the jewelry material if you have any metal sensitivities, as these can intensify during pregnancy
• Avoid piercing appointments during your first trimester when fetal development is most critical

During and After Your Piercing:

• Ensure single-use, sterile needles are used—never accept piercing guns, which cannot be properly sterilized
• Choose implant-grade titanium, niobium, or 14k+ solid gold for jewelry to minimize allergic reactions and rejection
• Follow aftercare instructions meticulously: saline soaks 2-3 times daily for the first 2-4 weeks
• Avoid submerging the piercing in water from pools, hot tubs, or baths during the healing period
• Keep the area clean and dry between aftercare sessions
• Watch for signs of infection: excessive redness, warmth, pus, severe swelling, or fever—contact your piercer and OB/GYN immediately if these appear

Special Considerations: Navel Piercings and Other Pregnancy-Specific Challenges

Navel piercings present unique challenges during pregnancy because the piercing area stretches significantly as the belly grows. If you have an existing navel piercing, you may need to switch to a pregnancy-safe retainer between weeks 20-24 when most noticeable expansion occurs.

Pregnancy-specific navel retainers are typically made from flexible bioplast or plastic and allow for skin stretching without irritation. Many women find they need to remove their navel jewelry entirely by the third trimester. The good news: most navel piercings remain open after pregnancy, allowing you to reinsert your original jewelry postpartum.

If you're considering getting a new navel piercing during pregnancy, most professional piercers, including those at Multnomah Body Piercing, recommend waiting until after delivery and nursing are complete. The combination of stretched skin, increased infection vulnerability, and extended healing times makes this a higher-risk decision.

When to Schedule Your Piercing: Timing Matters for Pregnant Clients

Timing can significantly impact safety outcomes. Medical professionals generally recommend avoiding piercings during the first trimester (weeks 1-12) when organ development is occurring. The safest window is typically the second trimester (weeks 13-27), when the pregnancy is more stable and you're less likely to experience severe morning sickness or complications.

However, the third trimester is generally discouraged because infection risk compounds closer to delivery, and any systemic infection could complicate labor and delivery.

Most professional piercers recommend spacing piercing appointments at least 6-8 weeks apart, and scheduling your piercing when you're feeling physically well and not experiencing pregnancy-related health issues.

Getting Professional Guidance: Why Consulting Experienced Piercers Matters

Oregon's original piercing family at Multnomah Body Piercing has been serving the community responsibly since 1974, working with clients through all life stages and circumstances. Professional piercers with decades of combined experience understand pregnancy-specific concerns and can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health profile.

Before committing to any piercing during pregnancy, schedule a consultation with both your OB/GYN and an experienced professional piercer. Share your full health history, current pregnancy complications (if any), and concerns. A reputable studio will never pressure you to proceed if there's any medical uncertainty.

Ready to discuss your piercing plans during pregnancy with professionals who understand your needs? Contact Multnomah Body Piercing today to schedule a confidential consultation. Our experienced piercers can evaluate your specific situation, answer detailed questions, and help you make an informed decision that prioritizes both your health and your baby's safety. With nearly 50 years of trusted service to Portland, we're here to guide you through this important decision.