Will my tattoos stretch during pregnancy?

The illustrated mamas amongst us may be wondering what will happen to their tattoos during pregnancy. Will they stretch? Do stretch marks distort the appearance of tattoos? There are so many things happening to your body during pregnancy, that tattoos may be the last thing on any expectant mamas' minds. But for some mamas, how their tattoos may be affected during pregnancy may be a concern.

Will my tattoos stretch as my pregnant tummy grows?

Unfortunately, as your tummy grows during pregnancy and your skin stretches to accommodate the tiny human who has set up camp in your tummy, so will your tattoos. The change in the appearance of tattoos will differ from mama to mama and according to how your care for your skin during pregnancy.

Why will my tummy tattoos change during pregnancy?

As mamas head into the second trimester, your bump will 'pop' and you'll be able to feel the skin on your tummy tighten. Those itches you're feeling? That's your skin expanding alongside your growing baby. As your tummy stretches, so may any tattoos that you have around your waist, pelvis or mid-section. You also might want to consider the effect that having a potential c-section will have on your tummy.

Will stretch marks distort my tattoos during pregnancy?

Stretch marks occur when the skin s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-s as your baby grows. Stretch marks happen when the skin is put under tension and is not elastic enough to absorb the stretch. Stretch marks are tears which occur in the dermis of the skin. They can appear red or purple when the blood vessels below become visible. If you do develop stretch marks during your pregnancy, they may be visible through your tattoo and may distort the way your tattoo looks. But there are steps you can take to prevent pregnancy stretch marks and prevent your tattoo from stretching during pregnancy.

How to prevent tattoos stretching during pregnancy

1. Be prepared. As with stretch marks, it is easier to prevent then it is to reverse. As soon as you find out you're expecting, start your skincare preparation. This way your skin will already be mega-moisturised and full of elasticity to help absorb the s-t-r-e-t-c-h.
2. Drink plenty of water. It is important to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
3. Prep your bump. Gentle exfoliation is key to stretch mark prevention but can also apply to tattoo maintenance. Exfoliating with Tummy Rub Scrub 3-4 times a week smooths any dead skin cells from your bump and provides the perfect base for your Tummy Rub Butter or Tummy Rub Oil.
4. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! During pregnancy, your Omegas (the fatty acids which keep your skin elastic and able to stretch) are being used to help the development of your baby's brain and eyes, therefore mamas end up running a bit thin during their pregnancy. Using Tummy Rub Butter and Tummy Rub Oil all over your bump, thighs and boobs help replenish your Omega stocks to keep your skin intensely nourished and elastic during your pregnancy.

Mama's Tattoo Essentials