Can You Get Microneedling While Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a time when self-care becomes more important than ever. Before you got pregnant, you might have enjoyed many cosmetic procedures that help you to look and feel your best.

Now that you’re pregnant, you may be wondering if some of your preferred treatments are still safe. Or, you might be eager to explore new facial treatments that help you to feel more confident about your appearance during a time when so much is rapidly changing.

Microneedling is typically safe to enjoy during pregnancy, but you will want to make sure that you and your skin care specialist follow a few guidelines to make sure that you stay safe.

• How Microneedling Works
• Benefits of Microneedling
• Safety of Microneedling During Pregnancy
• What to Expect During the Procedure
• Tips for Safe Skin Care During Pregnancy
• FAQs

How Microneedling Works

Microneedling involves poking the skin with extremely thin needles that break through the surface to generate slight irritation that stimulates the production of collagen.

This procedure can be used on its own to treat a wide range of skin conditions. Or, it might be combined with PRP and other types of procedures to provide you with additional benefits for achieving smoother, more youthful skin.

Benefits of Microneedling

Since microneedling is safe during pregnancy, it is often the preferred alternative treatment when other options are not available.

Studies have shown that microneedling is effective for improving the appearance of several different types of scars. You can also use microneedling to improve melasma, which is a common skin condition that occurs during pregnancy.

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause some discolorations on your skin that you might find upsetting. While melasma typically goes away after pregnancy, microneedling is an option that can help you even out your skin tone before delivery.

You might also prefer to use their procedure to treat pregnancy-related acne. Although you can’t have the procedure done on active lesions, you can use it after your acne heals to prevent permanent scarring.

Moms who currently have aging skin often use the procedure to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from getting worse when it might not be safe to use other skin care treatments such as microdermabrasion.

Since microneedling is safe during pregnancy, it is often the preferred alternative treatment when other options are not available.

Safety of Microneedling During Pregnancy

Microneedling during pregnancy does carry a small risk of an infection. However, this risk is similar compared to what you might face if you experienced a minor wound such as a cut on your finger.

Working with a professional skin care specialist is an effective way to minimize the risk of infection. You’ll also want to follow the proper after-care procedures for cleaning and caring for your skin.

What to Expect During the Procedure

During a typical microneedling procedure, you’ll sit in a skin care technician’s chair while the needles are inserted into your skin. Most people find the procedure to be fairly comfortable, although you might feel a few minor skin prick sensations.

While you are pregnant, you may find that it is uncomfortable to lie on your back for long periods of time. However, skin treatment sessions are typically finished in a matter of minutes. Depending upon the area that you are treating, you may also be able to sit up for the majority of the treatment.

Tips for Safe Skin Care While Pregnant

After your microneedling session, your skin will be more vulnerable to damage from the sun while it heals. You’ll want to make sure to wear sunscreen immediately following the procedure anytime you are outside.

In the majority of cases, you’ll be able to go back to wearing makeup the next day. However, you’ll want to make sure to wash your skin thoroughly in the evening before going to bed to make sure that you don’t develop clogged pores.

During your pregnancy, you’ll also want to avoid more invasive types of skin care treatments such as chemical peels since these can harm your delicate skin or contain ingredients that are unsafe for your baby.

If you’ve been using retinoids for your skin care, then your doctor will likely advise you to stop until after delivery since they can cause problems for your baby’s development.

As a final note, you’ll want to remember that pregnancy can bring a wide range of new skin care challenges due to fluctuating hormones. If you find yourself suddenly dealing with acne or dry patches, then focusing on moisturizing and eating healthy foods can reduce some of the symptoms.

Taking your prenatal vitamins is a great way to get nutrients to your skin that help your microneedling sessions be more effective.

FAQs

Can You Do Microneedling While Pregnant?

Yes, you can do microneedling while pregnant, but you should always seek the approval of your doctor before undergoing any new procedure. You might also want to make sure that the person you choose to do the procedure is experienced and comfortable with working with pregnant women.

Can Microneedling Start Labor?

Microneedling should not start labor. You should also find the procedure fairly comfortable. If you are near labor or begin to experience pains, then you’ll want to stop the procedure or postpone your session until you give birth.

Will Microneedling Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks?

Microneedling has been shown to prevent new stretch marks from forming, and it can help you to improve the appearance of existing ones. The procedure can safely be performed on your stomach, chest and any other areas where you have bothersome stretch marks.

Keep in mind, however, that you may choose to avoid doing microneedling on your stomach if you are planning to have a c-section in the near future. This is to prevent you from having any skin irritation at the potential surgical site.

When Should You Avoid This Procedure?

Pregnant women, and others who are not expecting a baby, should avoid having microneedling done on skin that is already raw or irritated. This may mean that you need to delay a session or have the specialist avoid certain areas of your skin where you might have active lesions from acne, cold sores or other types of skin conditions.