Pregnancy & Tanning

[RickMattoon]

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from tanners and salon owners and operators is about pregnancy and tanning.

At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child, so most of what you might hear may be myths. But keep this in mind; the Ultraviolet used in tanning beds do not reach beyond the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), therefore there is no direct effect on the unborn child.

However, some indirect issues should be considered: 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 may also be more 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!

PLEASE NOTE: Many tanning facilities have specific rules regarding tanning while pregnant. Based on insurance issues and personal choices by salon owners, some salons require a doctors note while others may not allow tanning while pregnant.

[Marca]

[Marca]

How about the risk of 'pregnancy mask' ?

[RickMattoon]

Originally Posted by Marca

How about the risk of 'pregnancy mask' ?

As it relates to UV sensitivity, pregnant women are sometimes more susceptible to developing mild discoloration during tanning. That is, they may not tan as evenly as they would normally. This is called Hyperpigmentation and happens in about 90% of pregnant women to varying degrees. Hyperpigmentation is a common harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.

Specifically in regards to the face, pregnancy can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the "mask of pregnancy" on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Although this does not effect the unborn child, this cosmetic issue can be a bit of a nuisance to some women.

[Tonya]

My manager who is going to have a baby any day now has been tanning about once a week or so.

[clubby]

Originally Posted by Tonya

My manager who is going to have a baby any day now has been tanning about once a week or so.

and?

[Tonya]

she is just fine.

[bunz1969]

I also have had several pregnant women, with a Dr's note, tan up until delivery and what they all say is how good the warmth feels on their backs.

[Marca]

We tan several pregnant women too, but we don't ask for a dr's note.

[RickMattoon]

Wow... The pregnancy issue accounts for nearly 15% of our search/hits at www.TanningFacts.com. A ton of people are searching for tanning+pregnancy!