As tattoos for women, especially in the back area, become more and more popular, is it true that women who have lower back tattoos, cannot have an epidural to assist with delivery of their babies, and what are the dangers associate with back tattoos if any?
Once again this subject has hit the news, and just as in the past, has panicked many women who have a back tattoo and are pregnant.
There is actually very little information available since so few studies have been done. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are currently conducting some studies about the inks used in tattoos.
According to Mayo Clinic obstetrician and gynecologist Roger Harms, M.D., most pregnant women who have lower back tattoos, can receive epidural,s. except if the tattoo is fresh and covers a large area, in other words, the skin is still healing.There have been very few studies on tattoos for women in the back area in fact there have been very few studies about tattoos in general and there is little conclusive evidence showing an increased risk of infection.
There are only three vertebrae where an epidural can be administered. They are L1, L2, and L3. This is also the area where back tattoos are positioned. Most anesthesiologists will give an epidural block to a pregnant woman with a lower back tattoo, and where possible will choose an area without a tattoo to inject the needle.
Does that mean that some doctors will still refuse to administer an epidural, sadly yes, if they believe that the practice may be detrimental or dangerous to the woman, then they can and will refuse to give an epidural, despite information to the contrary. Many medical practitioners will err on the cautious side rather than risk the health of the woman with the back tattoo.
