I have heard you shouldn't tan(tanning bed) while pregnant because of the Rays, but I was wondering if anyone heard that it is okay to tan while pregant? I am going to ask my doctor on my next visit because I assumed you couldn't. But I was reading info on the Tan Co.'s website and it says is is safe to while pregnant, w/ your doctor's consent they will let you. So is it safe or isnt it?
2007-01-25 09:09:14 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I was always told that is wasn't. First off you are not suppose to stay in the heat they even advise not to take hot baths, so I would think it would not be wise.
also babies are sensative to light while inside the womb.
2007-01-25 09:18:24 · answer #1 · answered by EMT_B 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Tanning beds can increase the body temperature to unsafe levels while pregnant which *may* cause birth defects. However this risk is highest during the first 6 weeks, and may be non existant after that (if you *really* want I will find the studies on that again)
During the last trimester heating can cause dehydration which is bad for you and baby and can cause preterm labour.
Also during pregnancy your skin may be more sensitive.
All that being said vitamin D is very important during pregnancy AND it is safest to get it through the skin rather than through the supplements which is unnatural.
Personally, I don't tan. I mean my skin doesn't tan no matter what so I wouldn't use a tanning bed. However, if you were to LIMIT your time in the bed say 5-10 minutes it would probably be safe. (Also skin cancer rates are highest among people who work under artificial lights and go nuts with sun exposure on the weekends, it is about moderation and consistancy.)
2007-01-25 09:22:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tanning in general isn't good for the human body, except by natural sunlight exposure, and even then tanning for the purpose of tanning isn't ideal.
In terms of tanning while pregnant, ultraviolet radiation is fairly penetrating, and while it isn't 100% guaranteed to cause a problem, in all honesty the risk is more than likely only a few percent, it may cause developmental or genetic issues in the child. Not tanning is preventative medicine.
That being said, I would still strongly advise you to not tan while pregnant. I'm sure you can handle being a little pale for 9 months, for your own sake as well as your child's.
2007-01-25 09:20:42 · answer #3 · answered by Eudaimon 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is really not safe. The damage to your skin taxes your body of energy and resources. The heat can cause a lot of problems for the baby. The nature of tanning increases your risk of fainting, falling and throwing up. None if it is worth it. You may be able to use self-tanners, most of thse are based on dihydroxyacetone which is what causes apples and potatoes to brown but I would check with your doc before using them.
As for vitamin D, you really only need a few monutes a day of sunlight, which most of us get walking to and from our cars. A walk in the fresh air is a better way to get needed Vit D and excellent for the muscles you are going to need.
I assume that you know that tanning is generally a horrible thing to do to your skin and body causing, at best, premature aging and unneeded wrinkles. It's winter, wear clothes and maybe some makeup and no one will be any the wiser.
2007-01-25 09:26:08 · answer #4 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who said it was OK to tan while pregnant?? Um, NO and they should get shut down for telling women that! It totally is NOT safe to tan while pregnant. As a matter of fact, it is not even safe to use those lotions with the "bronzing element to keep your tan lasting longer" in them that the tanning company's sell in their stores either. I wouldnt even go back to a tanning booth that LIED to me!
2007-01-29 08:53:19 · answer #5 · answered by all_around_tha_mullberri_busch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope it's not considered ok to use tanning beds while pregnant...besides tanning in tanning beds isn't all that safe period. Check the statistics concerning them and skin cancers...
2007-01-25 09:19:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I used to work in a salon and tanned while pregnant. The ultraviolet rays do not penetrate the first layer of skin. The biggest danger is getting too hot. My dr. told me that it will not harm the baby but they don't recomend it because it is bad for your skin. When I tanned during pregnancy I never stayed in longer than 10 minutes and I layed a wet towel over my stomach. If I started to get hot I got out. But with anything during pregnancy you should always check with your ob first.
2007-01-25 09:32:36 · answer #7 · answered by bzas1girl 2 · 4⤊ 2⤋
The reason they say you shouldn't tan while pregnant is the heat can cause your body temperature to rise and you can faint, etc. You should ask your doctor and if it's okay with them, then go for it.
2007-01-25 09:19:08 · answer #8 · answered by Aaliyah & Natalie's Mommy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i just had a kid, and the advise to not tan when you are prego because you can get easily dehydrated, overheated. they don't recommend for prego to get oo hot because it could cause labor too early or could lose the baby. trust me, you are beautiful pregnant either pasty or golden brown. enjoy your belly while it lasts!!!
2007-01-25 09:18:13 · answer #9 · answered by jmartinez_51 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it'd be safe, but then again, I'm a guy.
Personally, I think it might be a worry about the levels of vitamin D, for the baby. I'd ask a professional, like a doctor, though.
2007-01-25 09:17:25 · answer #10 · answered by NeoAlastor 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋