Tanning during pregnancy – is it safe?

According to experts, sensible tanning during pregnancy can work positively for both mom and baby. Enjoying the sun increases the amount of vitamin D3, which stimulates pregnant women, prevents depression and is involved in bone building. In women who used the sun during pregnancy, the phenomenon of osteoporosis was less common. How else can you tan while pregnant?

Is it okay to tan while pregnant?

The issue of “pregnancy and tanning” is still a contentious topic, although the use of the sun during this period is not actually prohibited. Sunbathing during pregnancy is possible if the mother-to-be takes care to properly protect her skin and exercise moderation in basking in the sun. Mindless sunbathing is not only for pregnant women, it can end tragically. In non-pregnant women, the consequences can be just as serious.

Many doctors say that tanning during pregnancy is not advisable. Why? In pregnant women, as a result of hormonal changes in the body, the skin becomes more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and without proper protection can quickly burn. In addition, unsightly discoloration can develop on the skin, so pregnant women should not be in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun is roasting the hardest.

Tanning during pregnancy is also not recommended for another reason. Under the influence of heat, a pregnant woman’s blood vessels dilate, so prolonged exposure to the sun will result in the appearance of spider veins on the skin or sudden bleeding from the genital tract. Therefore, a woman should refrain from sunbathing during the first trimester of pregnancy. The result of overheating is dehydration, which can contribute to miscarriage or premature labor. 

So is it okay to tan while pregnant? Yes, but only at the right times, with sunscreen 50 and with proper hydration. The tummy should also be covered. Tanning the abdomen during pregnancy is not advisable.

Pregnancy and tanning – self-tanners and spray tanning

Self-tanner during pregnancy is absolutely prohibited. The reason for the ban is the presence in its composition of dihydroacetone, an organic compound that gives the skin a nice brown tint. Many researchers believe that its molecules are too large to penetrate the blood of mother and child, but no studies have been conducted to confirm this theory. Using self-tanner during pregnancy is risky. It is better to give it up and use the natural sun.

The spray method of getting a beautiful tan can be just as harmful. Spray tanning during pregnancy is strongly contraindicated. There are a number of toxic chemicals in the formulation of preparations for this purpose. In a woman who is not pregnant, they can cause difficulties in conception, and in pregnant women, they increase the risk of malformations in the baby. Inhalation of fumes when performing spray tanning during pregnancy is unavoidable. 

Tanning during pregnancy vs. tanning beds

Until quite recently, it was claimed that tanning during pregnancy while in a tanning bed was a very bad idea, and that ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the skin and dangerous for the baby. However, after many studies, it was recognized that negative consequences are possible if a pregnant woman uses artificial sun in an unreasonable way.

According to English scientists, sunbathing under solar lamps during pregnancy significantly increases vitamin D levels in the baby’s body. The theory was proven by studying a group of pregnant women who attended tanning beds in the last weeks before giving birth.

Tanning during pregnancy in a tanning bed is not prohibited, as long as you use it with moderation and common sense. The power of the lamps should not be too high, and the tanning time should not be longer than a few minutes.

Only sunbathing during the first trimester of pregnancy is prohibited, as UV rays can reduce the absorption of folic acid. It is very much needed, especially at the beginning of pregnancy, when the baby’s organs and nervous system are being formed. 

Moms who struggle with high blood pressure during pregnancy should also not use tanning beds. The heat emitted by the lamps raises the pressure. The result can be the detachment of the placenta and hypoxia of the baby.