Tongue Piercing Safety During Pregnancy: What You Need To Know

Pregnancy is a delicate phase, and getting a tongue piercing while pregnant is generally not recommended. The body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy, which can impact the healing process and increase the risk of infection. The chances of infection are further heightened by the weakened immune system during pregnancy, making it unsafe for both the mother and the baby. While it may be tempting to add a little sparkle to your life during this time, it is best to wait until after giving birth to get a new piercing.

Tongue piercing risks during pregnancy

Tongue piercings are risky during pregnancy, and it is generally advised to avoid them. Here are the risks associated with tongue piercings during pregnancy:

Infection

The biggest risk of getting a tongue piercing during pregnancy is infection. Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making it harder for piercings to heal and leaving you more susceptible to infections. Infections can spread to the bloodstream and reach the baby, whose immune system is not yet strong enough to fight it.

Allergic Reactions

You may experience an allergic reaction to the metals in the jewellery used for the piercing. This can cause itching or irritation at the piercing site.

Blood-borne Diseases

Although the risk is low, there is a chance of contracting blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tetanus, or HIV from the piercing needle, even if performed by a professional.

Tearing and Trauma

As your body changes during pregnancy, jewellery can get caught on clothing or other materials, causing tearing and trauma to the piercing site.

Interference with Medical Procedures

A tongue piercing can interfere with medical procedures, such as anaesthesia during a complicated delivery. It may need to be removed in an emergency, causing additional stress.

Oral Health Complications

Tongue piercings can lead to excessive bleeding, infection, and injuries in the mouth. The mouth often undergoes uncomfortable changes during pregnancy, and a tongue piercing can exacerbate these symptoms.

Postponing the Piercing

It is recommended to wait until at least three months after giving birth to get a tongue piercing. This allows your body time to heal and recover from the physical changes and demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

In summary, tongue piercings during pregnancy carry significant risks to both the mother and the baby. It is best to avoid them and opt for a tongue piercing after pregnancy when your body has had time to recover.

Healing time

Tongue piercings heal fairly quickly, usually within four to eight weeks. However, the healing time depends on how well you care for your piercing. Horizontal piercings will take longer to heal than vertical piercings.

During the healing process, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Avoid playing with your jewellery, and do not smoke or drink alcohol. It is also important to avoid oral sex and French kissing until the piercing has healed.

To reduce swelling, drink cold liquids and avoid hot beverages. Avoid spicy, salty, and acidic foods, as well as dairy products, as these can cause irritation.

It is normal to experience some pain and swelling during the healing process, but if you experience any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge around the piercing site, be sure to contact your doctor.

Infections

Tongue piercings are not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of infection. During pregnancy, the body's immune system undergoes significant changes, which can negatively affect healing and increase susceptibility to infections. This is further exacerbated by the physical changes and developing foetus, making it more challenging for piercings to heal properly.

The risk of infection is heightened for tongue piercings as the mouth is home to numerous bacteria. Additionally, the piercing site may become irritated or inflamed, providing an entry point for pathogens. If an infection occurs, it can spread to the bloodstream and reach the baby, whose undeveloped immune system may be unable to fight it off.

The risk of infection is not limited to the piercing site. The equipment and jewellery used can also introduce pathogens if not properly sterilised. This risk is heightened in piercing parlours, where cross-contamination is possible if equipment is not properly sanitised.

Furthermore, the hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause skin and tissue changes, particularly around the nipples and areolae, making these areas more susceptible to infection. Breastfeeding can also increase the risk of infection at the piercing site.

To minimise the risk of infection, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices and ensure all equipment and jewellery are sterile. However, even with proper precautions, the risk of infection remains, and it is generally advised to avoid tongue piercings and other body piercings during pregnancy.

Allergic reactions

While getting a tongue piercing is not recommended during pregnancy, if you choose to get one, you may experience an allergic reaction to the metals in the jewellery used. Allergic reactions to piercings are rare, but they can occur. If you are considering getting a tongue piercing while pregnant, it is important to be aware of the risks and symptoms of an allergic reaction.

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, it is important to remove the jewellery and seek medical advice. You may be advised to take over-the-counter antihistamines or apply a topical cream to alleviate the symptoms. In more severe cases, additional treatment may be necessary.

To reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, it is recommended to choose jewellery made from hypoallergenic materials such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or 18-carat gold. Additionally, ensuring that the piercing is performed in a sterile environment with single-use, disposable needles can help minimise the risk of infection and other complications.

It is worth noting that even if you get a tongue piercing that is not close to your baby bump, you are still putting your baby at risk. The needles used in piercings can transmit diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. While the risk is low, it is not worth taking any chances when it comes to your health and the safety of your baby. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding piercings during pregnancy.

Blood-borne diseases

The primary concern is the risk of infection. During pregnancy, the body's immune system undergoes significant changes, which can hinder the healing process and increase susceptibility to infections. If an infection occurs at the piercing site, it could spread to the bloodstream and pose a threat to the baby. The baby's immune system is not yet fully developed, making it difficult for them to fight off the infection.

In addition to the risk of infection, there is also a chance, however small, of contracting blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. These diseases can be transmitted through the use of non-sterile instruments or needles. While reputable piercing parlors take great care to sterilize their equipment, it is important to recognize that the risk, though minimal, does exist.

To minimize the risk of infection and blood-borne diseases, it is generally recommended to avoid getting any piercings during pregnancy. The physical and hormonal changes that occur during this time can also cause discomfort and increase the chances of complications. It is best to wait until after giving birth to get a tongue piercing or any other type of body piercing.

If you already have a tongue piercing before becoming pregnant, it is important to monitor it closely for any signs of infection. Existing piercings may become irritated or inflamed due to the changes your body is going through. If you notice any discharge, redness, swelling, or pain, remove the jewellery and consult your healthcare provider immediately to address the infection.

Frequently asked questions