Pregnancy and Tanning Beds
Pregnant women also want to look and feel healthy while expecting. Some make decisions to use tanning beds or tanning lights for a tropical tan-like appearance. Many beauty clinics now require a doctor's note from a pregnant woman before allowing her to use tanning equipment. Points to be aware of include:
- Tanning beds and UV rays
- Negative impacts of tanning beds on pregnancy
- Health benefits of tanning beds or booths
Tanning beds and UV rays
Tanning beds either emit UVA or UVB wavelengths that are increased to 315-400 nm as opposed to naturally occurring sun UV that may be 280 to 315 nm. Meaning that UV from sun beds, tanning booths or lights are almost three time stronger than that of the sun. Because UVB was identified as causing more burning, most tanning locations now use UVA beds.
Negative impacts of tanning beds on pregnancy
As a result in this increase of UV concentration, tanning beds can severely impact pregnant women who have higher sensitivity due to skin and biological changes as a result of conception. The negative effects of tanning with beds that have increased UV wavelength concentrations while pregnant far outweigh the aesthetic emphasis on beauty for the following reasons:
- UV rays reduces folic acid function needed by the foetus for neurological development
- UV rays increases body temperature, such as overheating, in the expectant mother
- Restricted movement in the tanning bed restricts blood flow that can either raise or drop blood pressure
- UV rays increase chloasma patches on the skin
- UV rays can cause burning and blistering to the skin resulting in infection
- UV rays increase likelihood of skin cancer
- Tanning beds may be unclean, breeding bacteria and germs
- UV exposure increases likelihood of developing photosensitivity and sun poisoning
These negative effects of tanning beds on pregnancy are considered to far outweigh some of the benefits.
Health benefits of tanning beds or booths
- use of sun beds aids relaxation and reduces anxiety
- exposure to the UV increases vitamin D synthesis
- UV devices are medical and successfully treat skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis
- tanning beds build a tan that protects from sunburn
Although these benefits have value, relaxation and anxiety reduction can be provided through other less harmful means. In addition, only in cases of severe vitamin D deficiency or such skin conditions may use of a medical device emitting UV be used under controlled conditions. Tanning by sun bed is not thought to protect from sunburn. Sun screens with high protection factors should always be used in the sun by all people.
Tanning and Pregnancy:
- Tanning and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Hair removal before or after tanning
- Using hair removal creams when pregnant
- Pregnancy: Use of insect repellents when tanning
- Pregnancy: Skin sensitivity and itching when tanning
- Pregnancy and Sunbathing
- Pregnancy: Tanning, Heatstroke and Hyperthermia
- Pregnancy: Tanning and Heat cramps
- Pregnancy and Sunless Tanning
- Pregnancy and Tanning Beds
- Pregnancy and Tanning Pills
- Pregnancy and Fake Tans
- Pregnancy and tanning with Henna
- Sun, UV care and the law
Pregnancy Guide
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Pregnancy
- Signs of Pregnancy
- Symptoms you Shouldn’t Ignore
- A Pregnant Mother’s Developing Body
- Pregnancy calendar
- The Role of the Expectant Father
- What you should and shouldn’t do during Pregnancy
- Prenatal Care
- Prenatal Methods of Testing
- Exercise during Pregnancy
- Pregnancy - Expecting Twins or More
- Pregnancy Predicaments
- Sleeping during Pregnancy
- Having Another baby
- Having a baby over 35
- Losing a baby
- Myths about Pregnancy
- Plus Size Pregnancy
- Piercing and Pregnancy
- Tanning and Pregnancy
- Tattoos and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression