Tanning Beds & Pregnancy

Understanding the risks associated with tanning beds and pregnancy can help women make informed decisions about health conditions that may arise during pregnancy. As a result, taking the necessary precautions to avoid certain risks can result in a healthy mother and baby.

Folic Acid Reduction

Studies from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health indicate that ultraviolet (UV) exposure can cause a reduction in folic acid. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA exposure from tanning beds is 12 times higher than UVA exposure from the sun. Folic acid, an essential vitamin recommended during pregnancy, aids in brain development and the prevention of neural tube defects for the developing fetus.

Hyperthermia

No conclusive evidence exists linking tanning bed use during pregnancy to an elevated core body temperature; however, a maternal core body temperature should not exceed 38 degrees C. and should be closely monitored. Maternal hyperthermia during pregnancy may lead to anencephaly, cardiovascular malformations and neural tube defects in the fetus.

Chloasma

UVA rays emitted from tanning beds may increase the risk of chloasma. These dark patches of skin discolorations result from hormonal changes during pregnancy. Chloasma is caused by an increased skin sensitivity to UV exposure and generally disappears after delivery.

Placental Malignant Melanoma

UVA rays associated with tanning beds have been associated with malignant melanomas. Late stages of melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes, internal organs and the placenta. In rare cases, placental malignant melanoma can spread to the baby.

Dehydration

To avoid the risk of dehydration, the March of Dimes recommends not using tanning beds while pregnant. Dehydration can be harmful to the mother and may lead to oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios can cause birth defects, intrauterine growth restriction and labor complications. Oligohydramnios associated with dehydration can cause miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth.

Blood Flow Restriction

Blood flow restriction to the uterus may result from lying on the back in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy with the use of tanning beds. Some salons recommend the use of "stand-up" tanning beds to prevent blood flow restriction for expectant mothers. Caution should be exercised to limit the amount of time spent in a tanning bed while lying down.

References

• March of Dimes
• Skin Cancer Foundation
• National Library of Medicine

Resources

• March of Dimes