How to Wear a Belly Button Ring Safely During Pregnancy

Piercing is making a hole in your body so you can add a piece of jewelry for decoration. Earlobes are the most common type of body piercing. Some people also pierce the ear cartilage (the hard part of the outer ear). Other piercing sites include eyebrows, nose, tongue, lips, navel, nipples and genitals.

Belly buttons don't need to be flicked during pregnancy, but when your bump is bulging, a little extra care will go a long way in keeping it looking good.

A belly button piercing is completely safe during pregnancy, as long as it has not been done within the past 4 weeks. It's just a matter of keeping it clean and watching it closely as your belly grows.

 

Caring for a belly button piercing during pregnancy.

First, leave it in or take it out, it's entirely up to you.

Take it out

If you decide to remove it during pregnancy, you will need to pop the abdominal ring out of the hole every few days so that it does not close. Alternatively, you can try using a flexible belly bar during pregnancy -- it's more comfortable as the lump grows. Also, if you are going to have a C-section, your doctor may ask you to remove the piercing, so it is worth checking beforehand.

Most expectant mothers find that around six months of age, their bellies really pop, which is a good time to take out the piercing. Remember to wash your hands before removing it - if you find it stuck to your skin or unable to move, you need to see a doctor.

After removing the jewelry, wash the hole and navel area well, then let it air dry. Put a band-aid on your belly button to try to stop it from becoming infected.

Remember to give your belly some time to heal the vesicles before you put your piercing back in.


Stay inside

If you leave it in, keep an eye on it as your abdomen grows and follow these few steps to make sure it's not infected.

Remove jewelry from your belly button regularly (once a week) and scrub with warm water and soap. Make sure it is completely dry before putting it back.

Keep your belly button hole super clean. Wash it in the shower or bath, or wipe it down daily with a soapy towel and rinse the area.

Don't play with it! Now that your belly is growing, it's tempting to touch the piercing, but it needs to stay -- by you and anyone else (including your other children). If they do touch it, make sure to wipe the area with a soapy cloth.

Wear loose clothing so your jewelry doesn't get caught. Bump maternity pants that go through you may get caught, so try to find some low-strap maternity pants.

 

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