Tanning Bed While Pregnant:
Is It Safe?
Many wonder if going to a tanning bed while pregnant is a good idea. Maybe you’ve already been going to one and wonder if you should continue? Or you might be feeling like you need something to make you look more attractive during pregnancy.
If you are expecting, you should be aware of the possible hazards before your next visit to the tanning salon:
- Overheating can harm baby. Becoming overheated during pregnancy can cause risk to the baby by causing spinal malformations. This is also important for other activities that put you at risk for overheating, such as saunas or other outdoor activities during the summer heat.
- The “pregnancy mask” might appear or get worse. It is common for your skin to go through changes during pregnancy, and sometimes this includes dark splotchy spots that are also known as the “pregnancy mask.” Basically, this is just a change in skin pigmentation, but going to a tanning bed can make this worse, especially if you have very sensitive skin.
- May cause folic acid deficiency. Though not proven, studies have shown that there may be a link between folic acid deficiency and UV rays. This may be true because UV rays may break down the folic acid.
- You are putting yourself at an increased risk for skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, regular users of indoor tanning are eight times more likely to get melanoma than those who do not. Another thing to consider when making this decision is your quality of life after the baby is born.
- Lying on your back can be harmful. It is best to avoid lying on your back during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Lying on your back for prolonged periods of time puts a lot of pressure on the uterus and inferior vena cava and may change blood pressure.
There are other ways to go about tanning during pregnancy, such as outdoor tanning and tanning lotions. There are risks involved with spending time in the sun, so be sure you follow some
simple guidelines
while doing so.If you do decide to use a tanning bed, be sure you
use caution
in order to keep you and your baby safe.
Sunless tanning lotions are possibly a safer option, but also have possible risks associated with them. If you are used to looking sun-kissed and are discouraged about your pale skin when you look in the mirror, remember that pregnancy is a beautiful thing. You are glowing even without the tan, so it may be a good idea to avoid the tanning bed while pregnant!
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