Unsafe

by Amber Hilton

Created on: July 24, 2008

We've all heard people refer to pregnant women as "glowing". However, for women who frequent tanning salons, that natural glow isn't always an attractive alternative to their usually bronzed bod. This can be especially true once they start to pack on the pregnancy pounds and become more self-conscious about their looks.

Unfortunately for our skin, a golden tan is the current beauty trend and even pregnant women sometimes feel the pressure to have that golden glow. However, while there is little hard evidence to suggest that tanning beds are harmful to a growing fetus, this isn't the time when you want to take any chances. While your baby isn't going to be born with two heads just because you went tanning during your pregnancy, doctors have suggested several aspects of the tanning process that could potentially be harmful to your baby.

Of course, we all know that over-exposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging of the skin and even skin cancer, but are there hidden dangers for women who are expecting? The simple answer is: no one really knows. Researchers have yet to come up with conclusive evidence proving that tanning beds are an immediate threat to a growing fetus.

However, researchers DO know that over-exposure to UV rays may indirectly harm an unborn baby, because it can cause certain changes in the mother's body. For example, most experts strongly discourage expecting mothers from participating in any activity that might cause a rise in their core body temperature (over 102 degrees Fahrenheit). Such activities could include the use of tanning beds, as well as hot tubs and saunas. Even general over-exposure to the sun can be harmful to an unborn baby in this way. Studies have linked overheating (hyperthermia), to developmental problems in babies, such as spinal malformations. Hyperthermia is thought to be especially harmful during the first trimester.

Over-expos ure to UV rays is also thought to contribute to folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is vital to your baby's health, especially during the first trimester. Folic acid helps to prevent neural defects, such as spina bifida.

Finally, the increase in perspiration brought about by too much time in the sun (or tanning bed), can negatively affect breast milk production.

An alternative to spending time in the sun or tanning bed is using a sunless tanning product. Sunless tanning lotions and sprays have come a long way in recent years. There are many products on the market these days that provide faster and more natural results without the unpleasant odor or orange streaks. However, even a bottle tan might not be completely safe. There has been some concern that the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), may be able to penetrate the skin. DHA has been used in many cosmetics since the 1960s without any reported problems; however, many health care professionals still suggest that women wait until at least the second trimester to use any self-tanning product.

Unfortunatel y, there is no concrete proof regarding the dangers of tanning beds or sunless tanners to a growing fetus. However, if it were my child, I wouldn't want to risk it. Your child may pay for a lifetime, because you couldn't go nine months without a tan. It just doesn't seem worth it to me.

However, if you do decide to tan during your pregnancy, or spend a considerable amount of time out in the sun, at least be smart about it. Your skin may be more susceptible to burning during pregnancy, so don't tan for as long as you usually would, whether you're laying on the beach, or tanning indoors in a bed. When choosing a tanning salon, make sure that you select one that has well ventilated or air conditioned rooms, to lower your risk of hyperthermia. Finally, keep yourself well hydrated. Increase your fluid intake according to the amount of time you spend in the sun.

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