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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Piercing and Tattoos > Piercing and pregnancy
    Posted on: 10/10/2004

    Question

    I just recently found out that I am pregnant and I was trying to find out any information about whether or not nipple piercing's or belly button piercing's would have any effect on my unborn child right now. I know I will end up having to take out my belly button piercing, but I was also wondering when I should do that.

    Answer

    In terms of affecting your unborn child, it is unlikely that your piercing's would have an adverse effect right now, assuming that there is no signs/symptoms of infection in those sites. In terms of belly button piercing, it will probably need to be removed at some point (probably by the 3rd or 4th month of pregnancy) since as the pregnancy grows and your waistline expands, the area will get uncomfortable. I did some research on the Internet about this and apparently some piercing professionals can place some type of thread/string through the opening so that it won't close up. However, probably the safest thing to do is to let it heal although re-piercing the area might not be possible. You can check with the medical provider who will be doing your prenatal care for further information.


    Answered By:
    Irene Lin , M.D.


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