Can I get a new piercing while pregnant?
Professional piercers and medical guidance uniformly advise against new piercings during pregnancy. Immune function is altered, healing is slower and more prone to infection, and the body changes significantly particularly around the abdomen. A navel piercing placed in the first trimester may need removal by the second. Wait until after delivery and breastfeeding is established.
Existing piercings during pregnancy
| Location | What typically happens | When to consider removal |
|---|---|---|
| Ear (lobe and cartilage) | Usually unaffected | Only if required for medical procedures |
| Nose (nostril and septum) | Usually unaffected | Only if required for procedures |
| Navel / belly button | Skin stretches becomes uncomfortable from trimester 2 | Most people remove by weeks 16–20 |
| Nipple | Often becomes sensitive or painful | Remove before breastfeeding; earlier if painful |
| Surface / dermal (abdomen) | Very likely to reject as skin stretches | Remove early — before skin becomes taut |
| Genital piercings | Discuss with obstetrician | Often removed in third trimester |
Navel piercings and pregnancy
As the abdomen expands, the jewellery pulls and creates pressure points that cause migration or rejection. Many people switch to a PTFE pregnancy navel bar a longer, flexible post that accommodates the changing shape. Remove completely at the first sign of discomfort, redness, or visible thinning of skin at exit points. Most navel piercings can be re-pierced 3–6 months postpartum.
Piercings and epidurals / caesarean sections
For epidurals, a dermal or surface piercing in the lumbar region may need to be removed discuss with your anaesthetist before your due date. For caesarean sections, all abdominal jewellery must be removed before the procedure.
Piercings and breastfeeding
Nipple jewellery must be removed before every nursing session it presents a choking risk and can interfere with latch. Most people remove nipple piercings for the duration of breastfeeding and re-pierce once the body has recovered.
Internal links
• Piercing by lifestyle: complete guide
• Piercing aftercare: the complete guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a piercing while pregnant?
Professional piercers and medical guidance advise against new piercings during pregnancy. Immune changes affect healing, any infection carries added risk to the pregnancy, and the body changes significantly. Wait until after delivery and breastfeeding is established.
When should I remove my navel piercing during pregnancy?
Most people remove their navel piercing between weeks 16 and 20 when the abdomen begins to expand significantly. Some manage longer with a PTFE pregnancy navel bar. Remove at the first sign of discomfort, redness, or visible thinning of skin at the entry or exit points.
Can I have an epidural with a piercing?
For a lumbar epidural, a dermal or surface piercing in the lower back may need to be removed. Discuss any piercings near the lower back with your anaesthetist before your due date. Standard ear and facial piercings do not interfere with epidurals.
Can I breastfeed with nipple piercings?
Yes, but all jewellery must be removed before every nursing session it presents a choking hazard to the infant and can interfere with latch. Most people remove nipple piercings for the full duration of breastfeeding and re-pierce afterwards.
Can I re-pierce my navel after pregnancy?
Yes, typically 3–6 months after delivery once the body has returned to its pre-pregnancy shape and any birth-related healing is complete. If you had a caesarean section, wait until the scar is fully healed. A professional piercer can assess whether the tissue is suitable.