Belly button bling doesn’t need to get the flick during pregnancy, but a little extra care will go a long way to keeping it looking good when your bump bulges.
A belly button piercing is perfectly safe to keep during pregnancy, as long as it wasn’t done in the last four weeks. It’s just a matter of keeping it clean and watching it closely as your belly grows.
Looking after a belly button piercing during pregnancy
First things first, it’s time to make a call – leave it in or take it out, and it’s totally up to you.
Taking it out
If you decide to take it out while you’re pregnant, you’ll need to pop a belly ring through the hole every few days so it doesn’t close up. Or you can try using a flexible belly bar while you’re pregnant – a little more comfy as bump grows. Also, if you’re having a c-section your doctor may ask for your piercing to be removed, so it’s worth checking beforehand.
Most mums-to-be find that around the six-month mark is when their bellies really pop, and this is a good time to take out your piercing. Remember to wash your hands well before taking it out – if you find it’s stuck to your skin or won’t move, you’ll need to see your doctor.
After you remove the jewellery, give the hole and your belly button area a really good wash and then let it air dry. Pop a bandaid over your belly button to try and stop it getting infected.
Remember to give your belly some time to heal after having bub before you pop your piercing back in.
Leaving it in
If you leave it in, keep a close eye on it as your belly grows, and follow these few steps to make sure it stays free of infection.
- Take the jewellery out of your belly button regularly (once a week) and give it a scrub with warm water and soap. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in.
- Keep the hole in your belly button super clean. Wash it in the shower or bath, but also a daily wipe with a soapy washcloth, and then 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 be left along – by you and anyone else (including your other kiddos). If they do touch it, make sure you wipe the area with a soapy cloth.
- Wear looser clothing so your jewellery doesn’t get snagged. Maternity pants that go over your bump may get caught so try and find ones that have a lower band.
Source: What To Expect, WebMD
