tanning while pregnant?

Question

Ive heard you are not allowed to go tanning while you are pregnant. now my question is what about tanning outside during the summer time? is that permitted? and if so why is that you can tan outside getting the same rays but not in a bed? i'm a tan-o-holic and need to get my normal deep dark tan for this up coming summer. im prepared to use the spray tan (mystic) but its very hard to up keep a beautiful long lasting "summer tan" which is why im asking about regular sun bathing! thanks for answering:)

Answer 1

Tanning beds are a no no according to docter. But I was pregnant all summer and I sat outside every day. My docter said it was ok as long as I kept cool and drank plenty of water. He also recommended sunblock, however. I along with others tend to break a few rules here and there...so....to be honost I would be out there gooped up with tanning lotion instead of sun block.LOL.I did make sure I drank plenty of cold water to keep my temp down though.I would also take 10-15 min breaks in the air conditioned house, and go back outside for another 45 min. But seriously ask your obgyn if its ok to sit outside and wear some tanning lotion and see what he says. I'm no Doctor, but I don't think he will mind, the tanning bed, however, is another story.

Oh, and just because you have a baby does not mean you have to let yourself go. It's OK to want to be a SEXY MOMMA!!!!

Answer 2

If you are worried about the effects of UV rays on your body during pregnancy, but you don't want to give up tanning, there are safe self tanning options. Self tanning lotions do not penetrate further than the top layer of skin. You could visit a tanning salon that has spray tanning booths or airbrush tanning booths that only color your skin. The tan only lasts a couple of days at the most but is it very safe for women who are pregnant. Other self tanning lotions that are applied to the skin have an active ingredient that creates a tan on your body that could last a couple of weeks. Ask an attendant at the tanning salon about safe self tanning lotions for women who are pregnant. If you are still concerned, talk with your doctor about the risks of tanning during pregnancy and how to tan safely, in a tanning bed or with self tanning products.
At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child, so anything you hear is nothing but myths. The UV light used in tanning beds do not reach the child, therefore your baby is not at risk.

During the first trimester your doctor will advise you not to do anything that will raise your body's temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. But, it may be okay to have 10 -15 minute sessions while lying on your side or standing in a tanning booth, to prevent your blood flow from being restricted.

The most important thing to remember is to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Your skin during pregnancy is also sensitive to burning, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned. Pregnancy and tanning beds is no more harmful to your child than lying in the sun. Just use common sense and make sure you are comfortable. It's always best to go with the motto, if you think it's not worth the risk. then don't do it!
but take in mind that
: Many tanning facilities have specific rules regarding tanning while pregnant. Some salon owners require a doctors note while others may not allow tanning while pregnant. Please check with your salon staff for specific in-house policies.

Answer 3

From what I have read, you will want to keep the sunscreen on as much as possible while your out in the sun. The reason being that your body produces a ton a melanin as a result of the pregnancy and this will lead to a more severe sun burn. Also, I don't think that this "melanin" is distributed evenly throughout the skin so you could end up looking really blotchy and weird. Have you seen pregnant woman that get whats called "The Mask of Pregnancy?" that is a result of not using sunscreen and spending some time out in the sun. It varies from woman to woman, but I think you should be very careful when out in the sun! I think the Mystic Tan is the way to go, also I use that new Jergins Natural Glow lotion, it is a self tanner that you can put on everyday so it looks really natural and builds you up to that darker tan. I know there will probably be a ton of woman on here who will call you names and berate you for wanting to tan, don't let them get you down. We all have questions about this whole pregnancy thing and have routines that are hard to break. Best Wishes to you and Congratulations!

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with tanning, as long as you keep you body temp down and remember to put lots of sunblock on your belly. I would avoid the mystic tan just because breathing in any of those fumes could be dangerous for your baby. Regular sunbathing is ok though, although it might be hard to tan your back once your big. Just make sure you stay in the water for awhile so that your baby doesn't boil. By the way, you ARE allowed to be selfish right now, since once the baby comes you won't have any time for yourself. Don't let anyone give you any crap for wanting to look good, because there is nothing wrong with that.

Answer 5

You are not supposed to tan in the tanning bed while pregnant because the bed becomes too hot. It is not because of the rays, but because of the temperature. Especially in early pregnancy, elevating your internal body temperature too high can cause serious risks to the fetus. Tanning outside is not an issue. My OB/GYN told me that as long as the bed was well ventilated and I did not tan for extended time periods (if I usually tanned for 20 mins, only going for 12-15) I should be fine. I didn't end up continuing to tan, but that doesn't mean you can't.

Answer 6

I tanned while pregnant with both of my both. One weighed 6'9 and the other 7'5 . The reason they say not to tan is the same reason they say no hot tub. I go to a tanning salon that is very cold, so you dont sweat in the beds. As long as you watch your body temp and if you feel yourself starting to sweat then your time is up. You dont have to be hot to get tan. Also I managed a 46 bed tan salon for 7 years. It is fine. By the way I am 3 months pregnant right now and still tanning!!

Answer 7

I can see the tanning bed being bad only because of possible overuse and being overly warm. So consider not going as dark this year if possible.

That said, I've heard that though getting sun can increase your chances of skin cancer if you're white, it can also reduce your risk of cancer otherwise. I believe this has to do with the vitamin D.

Burning while pregnant is probably a bad idea too, as it will divert energy you should expend on growing a baby instead on healing your skin, so avoid burning.

Answer 8

Question: Is it safe to use self-tanning lotions or tanning beds during pregnancy?

Answer: If you're not feeling attractive during your pregnancy, the look of sun-kissed skin that a self-tanner provides can do wonders for your self-esteem. The good news is that the ingredients in self-tanners are harmless, so it's fine to use them during pregnancy. These lotions and sprays are basically dyes that stay on the surface of your skin and won't harm your developing baby. Best of all, self-tanners have improved dramatically during the last few years, so you don't have to worry about looking like an extra from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Tanning beds are a different story.

There's no conclusive evidence that they're harmful to a developing fetus, but there is plenty of proof that they're dangerous to you. Tanning beds pose the same dangers as the sun: They emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes skin cancer. Don't believe anyone who tells you that because tanning booths emit only UVA rays they're not hazardous to your health. One study suggests that visiting a tanning booth ten times in a year can double your chances of develop melanoma — one of the most deadly types of cancer. Melanoma is the only type of cancer that spreads to the placenta, and that could be disastrous for both you and your baby.

If the threat of developing skin cancer doesn't frighten you, consider the possibility that lying in a tanning booth can raise your body temperature to a level that may be hazardous to your baby, particularly during your first trimester. Having an elevated body temperature during pregnancy — that is, above 102 degrees F. (which can happen in a tanning bed, hot tub, or sauna) — has been associated with spinal malformations in developing babies. And then there's the concern that lying on your back too long might restrict blood to your heart and thus to your baby as well. You'll know when this happens because you'll feel lightheaded.

Finally, yet one more downside to tanning: Pregnant women with sensitive skin who expose themselves to ultraviolet rays (whether from tanning beds or the sun), may be more prone to chloasma, those dark skin splotches that can appear on the face and occasionally the arms during pregnancy.

Answer 9

I've heard some doctors say you can and some say you can not use a tanning bed while pregnant. I would ask your doctor and call the tanning salon and ask them. I have never heard them say you can not lay out. I would also do research on line about all this. Good luck!

Answer 10

Um, I would just play it safe and not squeeze into a tanning bed. You're best bet is to use a bronzing lotion right after you get out off the shower, it's made by Dove and will give you a deep and realistic tan after about two weeks of conistent use.