Once thought of as something only for bikers, rebellious teenagers or servicemen, tattoos have become quite fashionable and more accepted in all ages and sexes. Men, women, moms, dads, teens and grandmas can all be found sporting butterflies, barbed wire bracelets, inspirational sayings, their children's names and other artsy designs from their ankles to their necks – and anywhere in between!

But what about pregnant women? If you've always wanted a tattoo, or want to add one to commemorate this special time in your life, is now the best time to do it?

"There are not any more risks when getting a tattoo when pregnant than getting a tattoo when not," says Myrna L. Armstrong, professor and regional dean at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. "Currently, there is not any information or research that shows the tattoo pigment interferes with a pregnancy, yet there is very little research to support either side."

While there is not much research on the subject, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a dermatologist, general cosmetic surgeon, past president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and president of LovelySkin.com, does not feel pregnant women should consider getting a tattoo. "Even in the best of situations, obtaining a tattoo is a mixed bag of risks, but when you add a pregnancy, the cons far outweigh any potential benefits," he says. "Tattoos are essentially nanoparticles that are unregulated and may contain foreign substances of dubious purity."

Add onto that the potential for getting infected with hepatitis and HIV while getting a tattoo, and Dr. Schlessinger says you have a very serious problem on your hands, all while you are trying to keep your baby safe. "Doctors such as myself are absolutely scrupulous to avoid any potential procedure and/or medication while pregnant in order to make sure the baby has every chance to be safe," he says. "Why mess with luck and have a procedure that is clearly not for the baby, but all about the mother and pass on any risk (however small or large) to the unborn baby? Not a good choice, in my opinion."

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