Are Tanning Beds Safe to Use While Pregnant?

Tanning beds are one of the most popular ways to acquire a tan. Over the years, people have been led to believe that tanning beds are safer than natural sunlight; however, that is just not the case. Tanning bed exposure is just a dangerous as sunlight when it comes to the risk of skin cancers. Tanning beds are not recommended during pregnancy.

UV Exposure

Pregnant women who use tanning beds are exposed to UV radiation. Ultraviolet radiation has been proven to cause cancer.

Melanoma

Tanning beds have been determined to cause melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma can spread to the placenta and potentially harm an unborn baby.

Overheating

Tanning beds can cause a pregnant woman's body to overheat. Overheating during pregnancy can lead to malformations of the spine in unborn babies.

Chloasma

Pregnant women may notice an increase in chloasma, the dark skin spots that often occur on the face and arms during pregnancy.

Safer Alternatives

Pregnant women can safely use sunless tanning lotions to simulate a tan.

Resources

• Baby Center: Tanning Beds