It is true?

Question

Is it true that if you get a tatoo on your lower back, that you can never have an epideral for labor in the future? I am thinking about getting a tatoo on my lower back, but I heard that if you do then ypu cannot recieve an epideral when in labor in the future.

please give me actual information that is from a reliable resoruce instead of just what you think/heard

Answer 1

No, it isn't true. Most pregnant women who have lower back tattoos can receive epidurals. The exception would be if the tattoo covers a large area and is still "fresh" — meaning the involved skin is still healing. Actually, very few studies have looked at the risks of epidurals in women with lower back tattoos. But there is no conclusive evidence of any adverse effects, such an increased risk of an infection.

Most anesthesiologists will give an epidural block to a pregnant woman with a lower back tattoo. However, they may try to avoid placing the needle through the tattoo to avoid a small scar that may disfigure the tattoo. If possible, the anesthesiologist will choose nontattooed skin through which to insert the needle.

If you have a lower back tattoo and have questions or concerns regarding your ability to get an epidural, consult your doctor

Answer 2

I personally have a tattoo on my lower back and got an epideral while in labor with my son 6 months ago. I was scared that I wasn't going to be able to get one because of the tattoo. So it depends on your body type and the location on the back.

Answer 3

There is no evidence that lower back tattoos cause any increased risks during an epidural

BUT

Some anaesthesiologists (the Doctor giving you the epidural) will refuse to administer one through a tattoo, because they have been misinformed on the issue. Unfortunately, when you're in labour, you get the anaesthesiologist on staff, so you can't ask his/her opinion on this before hand. Hopefully this situation won't continue for much longer, as more studies are done and the correct info gets passed around

Answer 4

NO IT ISN'T TRUE. I am 29 years old. Had the lower back tattoo done when I was 22. Had my daughter when I was 24-with a successful epidural. Had my son last year with a successful epidural. Don't listen to the myth! You can have a lower back tattoo and still get a very successful epidural with no change to the tattoo.

Answer 5

not true. my sister in law has a lower back tattoo and I have seen her get two epiderals when she had her sons. No problems at all.

Answer 6

There are no known risks
from inserting needles
through tattoos.

Canadian & American
Journals of Anesthesia

In their terms....
Ramifications of neuraxial analgesia
in women with tattoos involving their
midline lumbar area. Uneventful
epidural analgesia and no sign of
tattoo-related brachial plexopathies
with adjacent muscle atrophy.

In other works..No Worries.

Answer 7

I have one on my lower back and I have never heard of not being able to have an epidural. Whoever you got your information from is wrong. If you are really worried about it, talk to your doctor and have them explain what to do. I have also listed a site that has lots of medical answers.

Answer 8

Honey, I have a large tattoo on my lower back and I had an epidural and a spinal. No... it's not true.

Answer 9

My cousin is an anesthisiologist...

Yes you can get one. The concern of anesthisiologists is actually that they don't want to be help liable for potentially ruining your tattoo somewhat. You can get one done though...not all anesthisiologists will do it but it isn't a health hazard.

Answer 10

That one in an old wife's tale (passed on and perpetrated by tattoo haters). HOWEVER you won't be able to fly in a plane because your ink will spontaneously ignite if you get over 5,000 feet in altitude. (Sorry.....there goes your shot at the mile high club)