The Skin Exposure Risks of Tanning while Pregnant
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time full of changes, new experiences, and sometimes even a transformation of your skin. Tanning may be an activity that you have done your entire life, but it’s worth considering carefully when you are expecting a child.
The Risks of Tanning during Pregnancy
Tanning while pregnant can be dangerous for both the mother and her growing baby. The UV light exposure of tanning can cause significant skin damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. The prolonged heat exposure can cause birth defects or developmental disabilities. Here are some potential risks associated with tanning during pregnancy.
- Skin Health: Tanning can cause premature aging and skin cancer, which can be especially dangerous for pregnant women. It can also increase the risk of developing melanoma.
- Birth Defects: Prolonged heat exposure from tanning beds can cause serious birth defects or developmental disabilities.
- Dehydration: Tanning is a dehydrating process, and dehydration can cause health problems during pregnancy.
Is Tanning Lotion Safe During Pregnancy?
Tanning lotion is not recommended during pregnancy. Although the lotion may protect against the UV lights of a tanning bed, it still exposes the mother to high levels of heat which can cause significant skin damage. Additionally, many chemicals found in tanning lotions have not been tested for safety during pregnancy.
So the answer is no, Tanning lotion is not safe during pregnancy. If you are looking to get a “tan” glow then we suggest seeking out natural alternatives like self-tanners or spray tans.
Safety Tips for Tanning During Pregnancy
Always speak with your healthcare provider before exposing your skin to UV radiation or heat.
- Always wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
- Limit the amount of direct sun exposure you get and try to stay in the shade when possible.
- Avoid tanning beds or sun lamps.
- Avoid self-tanning creams and lotions during pregnancy.
- Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses when outside.
- Stay well hydrated to help avoid dehydration.
Tanning during pregnancy can be risky for both the mother and her growing baby. To protect yourself and your unborn child, we suggest avoiding tanning beds or lotions and opting for natural alternatives like self-tanners or spray tans. It is also important to always wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors, and to stay well hydrated to help avoid dehydration. Ultimately, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before exposing your skin to UV radiation or heat to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
