Pregnant Women and Tanning Is It Safe?

Tanning by means of tanning beds or traditional sunbathing is known to be dangerous to just about any individual. Medical professionals have known for a while that tanning damages the skin and could lead to skin cancer. Although tanning is not advised for just about everyone, each day there are a number of pregnant women who actually do or at least consider tanning. Of course with the popularity rise the question of pregnancy and tanning comes about.

Although it has not been medically proven that tanning beds cause pregnancy problems, there are some increased risks with tanning in general. These risks may include a miscarriage or spinal problems in an unborn child whose mother tans. It is important to remember that some pregnant women may fall victim to these risks while others and their child end up perfectly fine.

A tanning bed and the sun each give off ultraviolet rays. These rays have been known to cause skin damage in all individuals, but they are also known to decrease the levels of folic acid. Pregnant women and their unborn children need folic acid because it aids in the development of an unborn child’s neural tube.

Tanning beds and traditional sunbathing is often done in hot weather. The heat causes the body temperature of a tanner to rise. Since tanners using a tanning bed are laying directly on top of the ultraviolet lamps it creates a hotter environment. When the body of a pregnant woman becomes overheated, especially in the first trimester, it is possible for her unborn child to develop a spinal problem.

Since the risks of tanning are still unknown there are currently projects and medical studies underway to determine the exact causes and dangers of pregnancy and tanning. Until medical proof has been found or dismissed there are a number of tanning salon owners who are not willing to take any chances. Pregnant women are often required to bring in written permission from their physician before they are able to tan. This is used as a precautionary measure by many tanning bed owners incase it later turns out that tanning does have a negative effect on a pregnant women and her unborn child.

With all that is known about tanning beds and outdoor sunbathing it is difficult to imagine why a pregnant woman would want to put herself and her unborn child at risk. Although this is difficult to imagine there are many pregnant women who tan with care and limit their amount of time under the sun or in a tanning bed.