Pregnancy and re-inking existing tattoos

If a tattoo becomes faded or discoloured, having the tattoo re-inked is an option. However, this is not recommended during pregnancy because of the limited research in understanding how tattoo ink may affect the unborn foetus, how the stress of the tattoo procedure may impact pre-term birth and miscarriage, and the possibility of transmittable diseases via the tattoo needle, equipment and materials. Tattoo touch-ups can also become distorted and damaged as the pregnancy progresses so it is best to wait until after the birth.

Touching-up tattoos after birth

Existing tattoos, whether pregnant or not, do have a tendency to fade and their rate of discolouration does depend on each woman’s skin condition as it ages. Colour tattoos usually fade sooner than tattoos with purely black ink, and may need re-inking after a few months. Discussing tattoo maintenance with a professional tattooist may help understanding of how best to care for a tattoo before, during and after pregnancy.

Tattoos and Pregnancy:

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• Tattoos and Pregnancy
• Pregnancy and maintaining existing tattoos
• Pregnancy and re-inking existing tattoos
• Deciding on a new tattoo after conception
• Tattoo Ink: Temporary or Henna

• Health risks: New tattoos and pregnancy
• Breast tattoos and breast feeding
• Navel or back tattoos when pregnant
• Pregnancy, tattoos, and stress
• Tattoos and Regulation

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