Body piercings are a bold, stylish way to express yourself. But during pregnancy, your body goes through major changes — which leads many women to ask: can I get a piercing while pregnant?
The short answer: it’s generally not recommended. Even though it might seem like a small thing, your body goes through a lot during pregnancy — from a weaker immune system to more sensitive skin.
In this guide, we’ll cover how your body reacts to piercings during pregnancy, what types carry the most risk, and expert advice. Plus, we’ll share safe, stylish alternatives so you don’t have to compromise your look.
Whether you’re currently pregnant or planning ahead, this article helps you make a safe, confident decision.
Body Piercings During Pregnancy: What Changes?
Pregnancy transforms your body in more ways than you might expect — and those changes can directly affect how your skin and immune system respond to body piercings.
Hormones and Skin Sensitivity
During pregnancy, your hormones increase blood flow and stretch your skin to support your baby. This makes your skin more reactive and sensitive. A piercing that healed easily before might now become red, swollen, or even rejected.
You may also notice changes in skin texture — it can become drier, oilier, or more prone to inflammation. All of this increases the risk of discomfort and delayed healing from new piercings.
Lowered Immunity and Slower Healing
Pregnancy slightly suppresses your immune system to protect your baby. But that also means you’re more vulnerable to infection, even at clean, professional studios. Healing becomes slower, and your body may not handle piercings the same way.
Why Piercings React Differently
Simply put, your body’s normal healing process takes a hit during pregnancy. What used to be a minor skin wound now becomes a longer recovery process. New piercings can take more time to heal, get more easily irritated, and may not settle well in stretching or shifting skin — especially around the belly button, nipples, or any area prone to swelling.
Is It Okay To Get Piercings While Pregnant?
If you’re wondering, “Can you get body piercings while pregnant?”, the clear answer is: No — it’s best to wait.
Even with professional piercers and sterile environments, pregnancy adds several health risks that make getting a new piercing more complicated and potentially harmful.
What Are the Main Risks?
- Allergic reactions – Hormonal shifts make your skin more sensitive to metals.
- Cross-contamination – Even sterile studios carry a small risk of bacteria or viruses.
- Extra stress – Pain, swelling, or irritation might seem minor but can cause more discomfort during pregnancy.
These might seem minor, but pain, swelling, or irritation can add stress during pregnancy — which your body is already working hard to manage.
Piercings aren’t medically urgent. Delaying them avoids unnecessary complications that could affect both you and your baby.
For details on piercing-related infection signs, read:
Infection Risks with Piercings
Type-by-Type: What’s Risky and What’s Not
When asking “Can you get body piercings while pregnant?”, the answer often depends on the type of piercing. Some areas of the body pose more risks than others — and it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
Ear piercing while pregnant
- Risk level: Low
- Should you wait? Yes
Even simple ear piercings can become irritated. Healing is slower, and allergic reactions to metal are more likely.
Signs Your Ear Piercing Is Ready for New Jewelry
Wondering when it’s safe to switch your ear jewelry? This guide explains the typical healing timeline, shares essential aftercare advice, and outlines warning signs to help you avoid infection or delays in healing.
Nose piercing while pregnant
- Risk level: Moderate
- Should you wait? Yes
Pregnancy-related congestion, swelling, and the habit of touching your nose raise infection risk. This can also lead to unwanted odors around the piercing — read more about – Why Do My Nose Rings Smell?
Belly button piercing while pregnant
- Risk level: High
- Should you wait? Absolutely
As your belly expands, skin tightens and can stretch or tear. If you already have one, switch to a soft, flexible pregnancy-safe bar.
Nipple & Genital Piercings
- Risk level: Very High
- Should you wait? Yes
These areas are prone to swelling and friction. Nipple piercings may also interfere with breastfeeding, while genital ones could complicate delivery.
Health Risks & Healing Challenges
Now that we’ve covered which types of piercings are more or less risky during pregnancy, let’s look at why your body reacts differently to them right now.
Slower Healing & Weakened Immunity
Pregnancy naturally lowers your immune response to protect your growing baby which means your body becomes less efficient at healing wounds, including piercings. What normally takes weeks to heal might now take months.
More Skin Reactions: Irritation, Keloids & Rejection
Hormonal changes can trigger:
- Itchy or inflamed skin around the piercing
- Metal allergies that never existed before
- Keloids, which are thick, raised scars from over-healing
- Rejection, where the body pushes out the jewelry
- Migration, where the piercing shifts due to swelling or skin stretching
These aren’t just cosmetic issues. They can lead to open wounds, discomfort, and higher chances of infection.
Swelling & Jewelry Pressure
Swelling is common during pregnancy, especially around the belly, chest, and genitals. If a piercing is in one of these areas, pressure from growing skin can cause tearing or soreness — especially if the jewelry is stiff or inflexible.
Already Have a Piercing? Here’s What to Do
If you’re already pregnant and have existing piercings, you don’t necessarily need to remove them — but you should monitor them closely.
Belly Button and Nipple piercing while pregnant
As your body changes, piercings in these areas can become uncomfortable or risky. Consider switching to flexible plastic or silicone bars — often called pregnancy or maternity bars — especially if the skin starts to stretch or feel sore. If there’s pain, pressure, or tugging, it’s safer to remove the jewelry.
Red Flags to Watch
Pay close attention to:
- Swelling or redness that doesn’t go away
- Pain or irritation at the piercing site
- Discharge, odor, or any sign of infection
- Jewelry being pushed out (rejection)
If you spot any of these, see your OB-GYN. Better safe than sorry.
Safe Alternatives to Body Piercing During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant but still want to accessorize, there are plenty of safe and stylish options that don’t involve needles. You don’t have to give up your style — just get creative with safer, non-invasive options:
Clip-Ons and Magnetic Jewelry
These are perfect substitutes for ear, nose, or lip piercings. They look real, feel light, and come in endless styles — all without breaking the skin.
Temporary Jewelry
For areas like the belly button, pregnancy safe belly rings made from flexible acrylic can mimic the look of a real piercing without causing discomfort or risk. Some are even designed to fit over your bump.
Body-Safe Temporary Tattoos
If you’re craving body art during pregnancy, temporary tattoos or metallic body stickers can give you that same edge — completely pain-free and safe for your skin.
Expert Opinions: What Professionals Say
Most OB-GYNs and professional piercers agree: wait until after delivery.
Even in clean environments, the risks — infection, delayed healing, allergic reaction — outweigh the reward. Many reputable studios won’t pierce pregnant clients for ethical and legal reasons.
When is it safe to try again?
Wait at least 6 to 12 weeks postpartum, after your hormones settle and your body starts to recover from birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my ears pierced while pregnant?
Technically, yes — but it’s still not recommended. While ear piercings are lower risk compared to other types, your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, and healing can take longer. Even minor piercings carry a small chance of infection or allergic reaction, so it’s best to wait.
Are belly piercings safe during pregnancy?
New belly button piercings should be avoided entirely during pregnancy due to stretching skin and increased swelling. If you already have one, switch to a flexible pregnancy-safe bar to prevent tearing or irritation as your bump grows. Avoid tight clothing that could rub against the area.
What are the risks of getting a piercing while pregnant?
Getting pierced during pregnancy can lead to infection, allergic reaction, slow healing, scarring, or rejection — all of which may affect both you and your baby. It’s generally not worth the risk.
Do I need to remove my current piercings?
Not always — but you should monitor them closely. For areas like the belly button or nipples, switching to soft, flexible jewelry can help. Remove the piercing if you notice swelling, discomfort, or signs of infection, and consult your healthcare provider if needed.
Can I get a piercing while breastfeeding?
It’s generally safer than during pregnancy, but still requires caution. Wait until your body has healed from childbirth (usually 6–12 weeks), and avoid nipple piercings if you plan to breastfeed, as they can interfere with milk flow and cause irritation.
Conclusion – Can You Get Body Piercings While Pregnant
While body piercings are a fun way to express your style, pregnancy isn’t the right time for new ones. Your skin, immunity, and healing ability all change — and so does your risk of complications.So, can you get body piercings while pregnant?
You could — but you really shouldn’t. The safest move is to wait until after delivery, explore non-invasive alternatives, and always talk to your doctor about any concerns. Most experts recommend waiting at least 6 to 12 weeks postpartum, once your body has healed and hormones have stabilized.
