Navel piercing during pregnancy: can it be left?

Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez ... if you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, you've probably seen the trend towards belly button piercings. It's impossible to miss these videos of famous singers dancing in crop top with this piece (often adorned with rhinestones and a heart or butterfly pendant).

Some of you have succumbed to the trend and, in turn, have been breached. What's more, in 2017, an epidemiological study on a sample of 5000 French people found that belly button piercings were one of the most common among women over the age of 18. This applies to 24,3% of the interviewed pierced women, 42% to the ear, 15% to the tongue and 11% to the nose.

However, if you are looking to bring a pregnancy and childbirth project to life, belly button piercings can be a challenge. Indeed, the body of a pregnant woman is rapidly changing, and the belly becomes more and more rounded every month. Many people wonder if there are risks and contraindications to navel piercing during pregnancy. Should we remove this? What is the danger? We take into account the risks and recommendations associated with this body jewelry.

Good news for anyone with a navel piercing! Can be saved during pregnancy. However, some precautions should be taken. Already, you need to make sure that the piercing is not infected (which can happen, especially if it is recent). If the area is red, painful, or even hot, the hole may be inflamed. In this case, it is better to consult a doctor, and also clean the area with a classic antiseptic, such as biseptin. This product is not contraindicated in pregnancy. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your pharmacist.

In addition, in some cases, the navel of a pregnant woman stands out more during pregnancy. Storing your piercing can become uncomfortable and even painful. It can also happen when the abdominal skin is very tight. The gem can warp, leave a mark, or even enlarge the original hole. Often, experts recommend removing it at about 5-6 months of pregnancy. Moreover, an Internet user made a lot of noise on TikTok explaining why you shouldn't get your belly button pierced during pregnancy. The young woman explained that her hole had enlarged to the point that she now had a “second navel”. Of course, this does not happen to all women (in the comments, some said that nothing has changed), but it is important to know the risks.

Also, you should know that there are pregnancy-appropriate piercings made from materials that are more flexible than surgical steel, titanium or acrylic, such as plastic. The shaft will be more flexible and neutral and will limit the deformation associated with puncture. They are known as flexible bioflex piercings. The choice is large: piercings in the shape of a heart, legs, stars, with an inscription, etc.

In any case, the decision to keep this body jewelry for yourself is yours.

If you notice inflammation or infection (pus, blood, pain, runny discharge, redness, etc.), be sure to consult your doctor or midwife. They will be able to tell you what to do next. At home, you can disinfect the area with an antiseptic suitable for pregnant women.

Be careful, some experts recommend not removing the piercing, as is usually done in case of inflammation. This could actually make the situation worse by blocking the infection inside the hole. Be sure to check with a professional before touching it.

Be careful, you are more prone to infections during pregnancy! To avoid them, it is recommended to maintain and clean the piercing (ring and rod). You can do this once a week with warm water and soap (preferably mild, antibacterial and neutral), an antiseptic, or even a physiological serum. Your piercer will be able to tell you how to clean it properly. If you have already removed the piercing, remember that infection is still possible. Be sure to wash your navel area well during your daily grooming.

Infections, regardless of their origin, are often dangerous for the proper development of pregnancy and the baby. There is a particular risk of miscarriage, premature birth or death in the womb. This is why you should not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.