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Tanning During Pregnancy:

Safe in the Sun

If you plan to do any tanning during pregnancy, it is important to know the risks involved in tanning and follow certain guidelines to keep you and baby safe.

Whether you are pregnant or not, it is important to be safe in the sun. Since hormonal changes during pregnancy actually cause skin to be more sensitive, you need to be especially careful in the sun.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormones are higher in the body during pregnancy, which can cause more pigmentation in the skin. During pregnancy, a skin condition called chloasma, otherwise known as the “pregnancy mask” can occur.

Chloasma is a condition where irregular dark skin patches occur on the cheeks or forehead. If you have chloasma, your skin is probably even more sensitive to sunlight.

If you plan on being out in the sun during pregnancy, follow these rules to keep you and baby safe:

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids during your time in the sun to prevent dehydration.
Stay in the shade when possible. Not only will you stay cooler, but you will also have less time in the direct sunlight. Wearing a hat can protect your face from the sun as well, and may prevent or reduce the chloasma.
Avoid overheating. Overheating during pregnancy can be dangerous for you and baby, as it can cause spinal malformations in your baby.
Wear sunscreen and reapply every couple of hours. Wear SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin and help prevent skin cancer. There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens (those containing paba, benzophenones, etc) and physical sunscreens (those containing zinc oxide, titanium oxide,etc).
Chemical sunscreens are considered safe by many because the chemicals that penetrate the skin do so in small amounts. If you are, however, concerned about the chemicals, opt for a physical sunscreen, which only stays on your skin’s surface.
Always listen to your body. If you feel lightheaded or nauseated, it is probably because your body is telling you that you’re overdoing it. If this happens, get in the shade or get indoors and drink plenty of water.

Protecting your skin can prevent cancer and premature aging of the skin. Though sun-kissed skin may make you feel more attractive, be smart in the sun and protect your skin.

Good nutrition during pregnancy can also have protective benefits when you’re in the sun. Find out which foods can protect your cells from damage.

Tanning during pregnancy can be dangerous for you and for your baby if you do not take care of yourself properly. Find out why you may want to stay out of the tanning bed while pregnant and other options for tanning.

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