Pregnancy And Baby Care Skin Care During Pregnancy Belly Button Piercing During Pregnancy

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It is, however, important to remember that the piercing will stretch as the abdomen grows and this can lead to pain and discomfort.

With A Little Care

There are some ways to manage a navel piercing during pregnancy. Most health providers encourage the removal of a belly button piercing in early pregnancy itself. The reason for this removal at the very beginning is to prevent the discomfort during the course of the pregnancy. In many cases, women complain of itching and stretching of the piercing around the fifth or sixth month. There is also the risk of an infected belly button piercing during pregnancy if the ring scratches the skin. Once the belly button ring is removed, the pierced hole will close over a period of time. It is not advisable to keep the belly button piercing during third trimester as this is the time when the abdomen enlarges the most and this can cause the ring to stretch and migrate. Some women may choose to leave their rings on for the first and second trimesters. However it is essential to monitor the area closely and report any unusual symptoms to the doctor.

Those who do not wish to take off the ring can opt for a pregnancy piercing ring. This is a non-metal, flexible ring, which accommodates the swelling abdomen. Some women have found that these rings help to prevent discomfort, while keeping their piercing intact. Those who decide to keep their piercings should pay close attention to tearing of the skin.

If at any point in time, you feel pain, redness, pus or an unpleasant odor, consult a doctor. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the infected belly button piercing during pregnancy. It is also a good idea to speak to your doctor regarding your piercing. Doctors usually advise women to remove their belly piercing during pregnancy in case there is going to be a cesarean birth. It is best to follow the advice of the doctor.

Risks of belly button piercing during pregnancy

There are certain risks in a belly button piercing. These must be kept in mind

• Use of equipment that has not been sterilized properly can transmit infections, some of which may lead to serious consequences such as blood poisoning.
• Some women may also develop an allergic reaction to the metal rings and jewelry and this can result in symptoms such as swelling, redness, rash and breathing trouble. After some time, other symptoms such as pain, tenderness and pus formation may occur.
• In case the piercing damages a large blood vessel, excessive bleeding may occur and it is necessary to go to a hospital immediately to have it cauterized.
• Unsterilized needles used during piercings can transmit serious infections such as hepatitis and HIV.
• Keloids sometimes occur after piercings. These are hard lumps of scar tissue, which appear like cysts around the area of piercing.