Tanning Bed Dangers When Pregnant

Tanning beds provide easy and quick full body sun tans without the bother of actually going to the beach and laying on the sand for a good few hours. Tanning beds may, however, hold dangers for pregnant women.

Heat Exposure

The American Pregnancy Association (APA; see Resources below) warns against using tanning beds when pregnant because exposure to excess heat may cause spinal damage in the fetus.

Dehydration

Tanning beds, along with other tanning methods such as direct sunlight, might cause dehydration that can be harmful to pregnant women.

Folic Acid Danger

The UV rays used in tanning beds might break down the folic acid in pregnant women, which is necessary for the baby's brain development.

Skin Reaction

The skin of pregnant women is very sensitive and may be damaged by prolonged sessions in the tanning bed or show early signs of aging.

Chloasma

Tanning can cause pregnant women to have chloasma, or skin blotches, during the pregnancy.

References

• American Pregnancy Aoosication on Tanning Methods
• Chloasma Information