Is Tanning Safe While Pregnant?
If you are expecting a baby, you might be wondering if tanning is safe during pregnancy. There are many drawbacks pregnant women may encounter from tanning at a salon or in the sun. Before tanning while pregnant, understand the associated risks and talk to a doctor to decide if it is worth it.
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High temperatures
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Pregnant women usually feel warmer and are more sensitive to heat because of increased metabolism. During pregnancy, women should avoid dehydration and overheating, which can lead to an unusually high body temperature - or hyperthermia. According to the American Pregnancy Association, hyperthermia during pregnancy may cause spinal malformations, such as spina bifida, in a developing baby. Both sunbathing and tanning at a salon can possibly lead to hyperthermia.
Folic acid deficiencies
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Women need folic acid during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate. According to the American Pregnancy Association, UV ray exposure is linked to folic acid deficiency. Women may be exposed to UV rays at a tanning bed or in the sunlight. To avoid exposure to UV rays from the sun, wear sunscreen during pregnancy and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
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Chloasma
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Chloasma is a symptom some women get during pregnancy that causes discoloration on the skin. The pregnancy guide "What to Expect When You're Expecting" says that tanning, either at a salon or on the beach, will make the discoloration, which occurs around the forehead and cheeks, more noticeable.
Sunless tanner
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Some experts say sunless tanner is a good alternative to tanning while pregnant. Others say that there is not enough evidence to support the safety of this product. Even if it is safe to use, many women are more sensitive to sunless tanner and other skin products during pregnancy. Some doctors may recommend waiting until the end of the first trimester before using sunless tanning products. "What to Expect When You're Expecting" suggests the easiest way to avoid potential problems with sunless tanner is to avoid using it until after your baby is born.
Expert Advice
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If tanning or sunless tanner during pregnancy is still a temptation, speak with a doctor. Your doctor can help guide decisions about whether it is safe to tan.
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