Navel Jewellery advice during Pregnancy
If you have a pierced navel and you are pregnant you are probably wondering whether you can keep your piercing and also what will happen to your belly button whilst your bump is growing! We have written this guide to try to help but must stress that if you have any medical concerns you must speak to your midwife or doctor.
Here are some common questions:
What will happen to my navel piercing during and after pregnancy?
During pregnancy the length of the navel piercing (top to bottom) will stretch and flatten, however the gauge (or thickness) will not stretch.
Will I be able to keep my navel piercing?
Some women with healed piercings have successfully worn jewellery (such as the Maternity Belly Bars that we sell) throughout their pregnancies. In other cases the ridge of the navel expands and flattens so much as to make the jewellery uncomfortable. If the piercing is still healing it is unlikely that the piercing can be maintained as the stomach enlarges the pressure could easily cause the piercing to reject.
What navel jewellery do you recommend whilst I’m pregnant?
Most people find that PTFE, Bioflex or Bioplast jewellery is more comfortable than metal because it is soft, flexible and available in longer bar lengths.
What will happen to my belly piercing once the baby is born?
After delivery the navel will return to its original shape but the skin may be loose and in some cases the piercing may sag.
What can I do to look after my navel piercing?
It is very important to look after your piercing whilst pregnant as a serious infection could travel to the interior of the abdomen and possibly affect the pregnancy or the baby. In the interest of maintaining good health and reducing risks that could affect your pregnancy, it is very important to wear the correct jewellery and ensure that the piercing is regularly cleaned. We have a great range of aftercare products which are brilliant for keeping your piercing clean.
What navel jewellery do you recommend during my pregnancy?
Either PTFE or Bio compatible (Bioflex / Bioplast) belly bars are suitable. We offer PTFE in lengths up to 30mm and Bio in lengths up to 19mm. Both materials can be cut to size (with scissors or a sharp knife) and attachments can be threaded on to either end (either metal or acrylic), both are flexible, the main difference is that PTFE is totally flexible and Bio is preformed into a curve and available in different colours. Both options are equally safe and comfortable.
While your bump is growing you should allow at least an extra 4mm length to allow for growth and comfort, an even longer bar may be required in the later stages of pregnancy. Your belly bar should not become too tight, if it does you should buy a larger length. You can always cut it down afterwards for use after the baby arrives!
We have lots of different designs available on our website so please have a look.
Thank you for reading this page. If you have any questions please email jo@jobananas.com or call us on 01386 841412 and we will try our best to help. Finally Congratulations and Good Luck!
Tags: Bars, belly, Bioflex, Bioplast, button, Jewellery, Maternity, Navel, Pregnancy, PTFE