Most women who have their navels pierced have no plans of removing their rings just because they become pregnant. But once their belly begins to expand causing the skin to stretch and tighten, they may find that their once fashionable piercing is nothing but uncomfortable and itchy. Here are some tips on how to manage a navel piercing during pregnancy.
1. Remove the piercing. To prevent risk of infection or irritation during pregnancy, it is safest to remove the navel piercing once the skin begins to stretch. If the ring is removed for the remainder of the pregnancy, the hole may close and the navel may need to be re-pierced after giving birth.
2. Buy a prenatal belly ring. These rings are flexible, non-metal, and measure about 2 inches long. They accommodate a growing belly while keeping the piercing intact.
3. Watch for tearing. While wearing a belly ring during pregnancy, it is critical to examine the piercing regularly and look for any tearing. The piercing must be removed immediately if there is tearing or discomfort. If the skin around the piercing turns red or develops pus, contact a doctor for treatment options.