As a pregnant woman, you’re likely filled with a million questions. Can I dye my hair? Can I have a glass of wine? And, can I do microneedling? The answer to that last question is: maybe. Microneedling is a minimally invasive beauty treatment that involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. While there’s limited research on the safety of microneedling during pregnancy, many experts believe it’s safe to do as long as you avoid certain areas of your body. Keep reading to learn more about microneedling during pregnancy and how to stay safe while getting this popular treatment.
But first, how do I know all of this? Hi — I’m Hilary — The Pregnancy Nurse 👩⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of OB nursing experience, I am also the curly head behind Pulling Curls and The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. 🩺 I explain tons of risks and benefits to pregnant patients, so I’m a good one to explain this to you.
If you like to learn about risks and benefits of things when pregnant, come join me in The Online Prenatal Class for Couples!
What is microneedling and what are its benefits?
Microneedling is a skin treatment that uses tiny needles to puncture the top layer of your skin, creating micro-injuries. This triggers your body’s natural healing process which helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production. By doing this, microneedling can help improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, and other skin issues. It can also help improve the absorption of topical skincare products, making them more effective. When done correctly, microneedling is safe and relatively painless. However, it’s important to know that this treatment should only be performed by a qualified medical provider or trained esthetician.
What are the risks associated with microneedling
The main risk is infection, and pain since it is a bunch of tiny needles penetrating your skin.
You could also have a reaction to either the needles, or the products they use on your face. However, it seems to be a fairly low-risk procedure in general.
Can you do microneedling while pregnant
It’s important to note that there is limited research on the safety of microneedling during pregnancy. However, many experts believe that it is safe for pregnant women as long as certain areas are avoided. Areas like your abdomen and breasts should be avoided during treatment for both safety and comfort reasons. Your body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy and it’s important to consult with your doctor before getting any type of beauty treatment.
The main issue would be that you react differently to things when you’re pregnant. The inflammation the needles cause could go awry or you could react to the needles or the serums. You’re just more likely to have that happen when you’re pregnant.
Because of your increased blood flow you may also find it more painful than when you’re not pregnant. I talk about this in my post on Brazilian waxing during pregnancy.
Ultimately, the decision to get a micro needling treatment while pregnant is one that should be discussed with your healthcare provider. They can help guide you in making an informed decision about whether or not this treatment is right for you. If it is, your provider can help you find a qualified esthetician who can safely perform the treatment.
You should also be up front with the fact that you are pregnant as some microneedling providers may not want to do it on pregnant people, or may adjust how they do it.
With that being said, microneedling can be a great way to improve the appearance of your skin. However, it’s important to take all safety precautions and always consult with your doctor before getting any type of treatment.
How to prepare for a microneedling treatment
If you decide to go ahead with a microneedling treatment, it’s important to be prepared. Beforehand, make sure you (or your spa) has all the necessary materials such as sterilized needles, appropriate topical anesthetics, and a clean work station. Additionally, consider wearing loose-fitting clothing on the day of your appointment so that you can feel more comfortable.
If you have ANY concerns about the cleanliness of the area I would opt to not have the treatment done. An infection could be REALLY problematic (and bothersome) — not worth it at this juncture.
What to expect during and after a microneedling treatment
Once you arrive at the appointment, your provider will likely ask you a few questions about your health history and any medications you’re currently taking. They may also take photos of the areas they plan to treat so that they can monitor progress over time. Once all of this is done, they’ll be able to start the microneedling procedure.
After the treatment is complete, your provider will likely discuss a plan for aftercare and may provide you with a detailed guide on how to properly care for your skin. This could involve using specific skincare products or avoiding certain activities during healing time. Following these instructions helps ensure that the treatment is effective and that you achieve the desired results.
If you like knowing what’s going to happen — come join me in The Online Prenatal Class for Couples where we go over all the steps you’ll go through when you’re admitted to deliver your baby at the hospital.
Tips for maintaining your results after a microneedling treatment
Once your skin has healed, it’s important to maintain the results of microneedling. This can be done through using a good moisturizer, staying out of direct sunlight, and avoiding harsh chemical-based products. Make sure to follow the after-care instructions by your provider.
It’s also important to remember that microneedling isn’t a one-time fix; it requires regular maintenance in order to keep the results. With consistent care, you can maintain your skin’s refreshed and rejuvenated look for a long time.
So, tell me — are you still thinking it will be worth it — and does your spa or salon take pregnant patients? I have seen some online that prefer not to do it on pregnant clients, so that information will be helpful for everyone in the comments.
One OTHER way to take out those wrinkles is to smooth out the worry about delivery day. The Online Prenatal Class for Couples aims to prepare you for a confident delivery in just a few hours. AND no pain is involved. Lots of the reviews call it fun!
And, if you’re not quite sure you’re ready for that whole thing, check out my free prenatal class. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.
- About the Author
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A nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth.