The New Flexibility of Maternity Belly Button Rings

I became pregnant with my first child when I was 21, a few months after finally working up the courage to get my belly button pierced. I had wanted a belly button piercing for years. Although I wasn't into multiple piercings and tattoos, I loved the look of them. So, I dragged my college roommates with me and got it done. The piercing really hurt, and it had finally healed up when I found out I was pregnant, four months later.

During my first pregnancy, it never really occurred to me to remove my piercing or change it in any way. I had just gotten it, and they are a lot of work in the first few months (they must be cleaned with soap and turned to keep them from sticking). Plus, it allowed made me feel like I was maintaining some of my "sexier" self, which is a big plus during pregnancy. My midwife said that if it was comfortable to me, then it was alright to leave it in, and the only reason it might need to be removed would in the event of an emergency Cesarean section. My belly button ring became very sensitive to the touch in the last trimester, and I used a little bandage to keep it from sticking up.

My second pregnancy wasn't quite so easy. My regular belly button ring kept getting infected, and didn't respond well to regular topical treatment. There is nothing in the world quite so disgusting as an infected belly button piercing! Plus, I got larger (and faster) which meant it was more sensitive and uncomfortable. Which meant that I had to consider taking it out - or finding a maternity belly button ring that would suit my needs during the pregnancy.

There are several companies which manufacture maternity belly button rings. I purchased the 14 gauge, 2" maternity flexible navel ring in purple from EvaLillian.com for just $16.99. The flexible portion can be shortened before wearing, if needed. The great thing about this ring is the variety of colors. Aside from the purple, the interchangeable end balls come in silver, gold, red, pink, blue, white, yellow and green!

Beautiful Piercing, Expanding Belly

Credit: Deon Maritz

Copyright: Wikimedia Commons