Pregnancy is a time where one should be taking care of mom (and baby) first, which means getting a tattoo or piercing while pregnant isn’t the best idea. Expecting moms already have compromised immune systems, which makes modifications during pregnancy a no-go.

If a shop is readily willing to tattoo or pierce an expecting mom, they aren’t acting reputably, which is a risk that shouldn’t be taken. Any open wound is a risk to a pregnant woman, so why would someone want to expose a soon to be mother to any additional risks or stress?

​Allowing yourself to recover fully from pregnancy will mean your body is better able to heal from the tattoo or piercing, which means better results that are worth the wait. It is advisable to refrain from undergoing any and all body art procedures during a pregnancy, even just an ear lobe stretch. It is best to let your body focus on the important, complex and demanding task that it is handling already.

Respectfully, please wait. There are several concerns about tattoos and piercings, so it's probably best to wait until after delivery and weaning to get either pierced or tattooed. Here are some things to consider:

• Many diseases can be passed along through bodily fluids. This means you can be vulnerable to these diseases if you get a tattoo or piercing from someone who uses improperly sterilized equipment. It's possible for you to pass these diseases along to your baby while you're pregnant. Always feel welcome to ask any questions about shop sterilization procedures, the staff should be able to comfortably answer any and all questions to your satisfaction. All of the Gypsy Rose Pathogen testing and Alberta Health Services Information is displayed at our front counter and we're happy to answer any questions you might have.
• Most anesthesiologists will administer an epidural if you have a tattoo on your lower back, but they may decide not to if the tattoo is recent and still fresh. There's no clear evidence for or against giving epidurals near tattoos. If you do have a tattoo on your back and are considering having an epidural for pain relief during childbirth, find out what the hospital's policy is when you are creating your birth plan.
• Because of skin changes during pregnancy, a tattoo that you get while you're pregnant might not look the same after you deliver your baby.

One thing we know, it's that when once the summer sun comes out, your tattoo could be in for a beating. 

We wanted to just give everyone a friendly reminder this summer to take care of your tattoos by using proper protection. As we all know, sun and water exposure is dangerous as it is, let alone to the beautiful piece your artist created, and your body has spent healing from the process. 

We suggest you cover up as much as you can to keep your tattoo from fading. Or, at the very least, make sure you are wearing sunscreen of SPF 60, on any exposed tattoos.  Also, be mindful of entering water with a fresh tattoo or piercing. We have explained the reasons behind not soaking or submerging a fresh tattoo in water- of any kind! Your tattoo is an open wound. You must protect it from the elements while it is healing. Water can inhibit the healing process and cause a faded, poorly healed tattoo. We have seen it too often and are familiar with the outcome. 

Protecting your tattoo or piercing is not only for the sake of your  investment , it is for your health. 

Remember to read your aftercare forms thoroughly, and if you have any questions regarding your tattoo or piercing, please feel free to contact us with your inquiries.

Have an awesome and safe summer!

Thanks!

​- GR