How is the Navel Pierced? Navel piercing is performed without anesthesia and is a rather quick and simple procedure. The piercer first cleanses the site with an antiseptic. Then he/she will connect the belly ring to the end of a twelve gauge to sixteen gauge hollow needle and threads the needle through the site to be pierced. You’ll feel a pinch, and before you know it, you’re done.
Navel piercing is not as painful as thought to be. It is the healing process that may actually be cause of pain. Navel piercings can take as long as four to twelve months to heal. Infections may occur during the healing process and will cause the area of piercing site to hurt.
There are many ways a piercing can become infected. Both the piercing equipment and the piercer’s hands must be sterile, or will otherwise lead to infections such as hepatitis, or HIV. Friction from clothing can also lead to infection and will slow the healing time. Because the navel area is also a common site for perspiration, piercers will often recommend wearing skirts that fall above the navel and hip hugger pants to allow air exposure. Proper cleaning procedures are to be followed during the healing process to reduce infection risks.
If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you take out your belly ring by the sixth month. It is imperative that you take all the cleansing precautions seriously. Any type of infections during pregnancy may cause complications for birth. If by after the sixth month you’d still like to keep a navel ring, there are specially made rings for pregnancies. Pregnant belly button rings use a .75mm flexible plastic tubing rather than metal that will allow you to wear the same ring at your comfort.