Whether you have several tattoos already or have plans to get one during your pregnancy, you could be worrying about how this might affect your unborn child. Ultimately, the safety of your child must come first.

If you’re curious about possible risks associated with pregnancy and tattoos, keep reading for information that may help you decide on the best course of action.

Will my baby be harmed?

If you are pregnant and considering getting a tattoo, you may find it interesting to know that there isn’t a lot of research on the subject of how this might affect the child. While it’s possible the chemicals in tattoo ink may affect a growing baby, there is no concrete evidence available to support either side.

If you have any concerns or misgivings at all, it’s probably best to wait until after you’ve had the baby before getting a new tattoo done. Existing tattoos won’t pose a problem unless they were done in unsanitary conditions, in which case you may have picked up a disease. Your best bet? Get tested.

What will happen to my tattoo after birth?

If you insist on getting tatted up while pregnant, think about all the changes your body goes through, both during and after the pregnancy. You’ll want to get the tattoo on an area of the body where the least amount of swelling is likely to occur (such as your neck) or you could end up with a misshapen mess!

For the best results, I suggest waiting for a new tattoo until after you give birth and when you are done breastfeeding so your body has a chance to go back to normal.

How can I make sure I’m safe?

Still want a tattoo? Make sure you are safe. Look for a reputable artist and make sure they have the proper sterilization equipment and that all tools (dyes, needles, etc.) are brand new and sterilized as well. You also want to ensure the tattoo artist wears gloves while inking you up, and the shop should look clean and well maintained.

If you aren’t uncomfortable with the shop or the artist, trust your instincts and find an artist you ARE comfortable with.

While the risks associated with tattoo ink and pregnancy are not documented, it’s still advisable to wait until after you give birth to get new ink. By waiting until your body is back to normal, you’ll be able to place the tattoo anywhere you like without worrying about possibly harming your child.