Pregnancy: Tanning, Heatstroke and Hyperthermia

Besides burning and blistering the skin causing vulnerability to infection, when a pregnant woman tans for long periods in the sun, or exposes herself to higher levels of Ultraviolet rays through use of sun beds or booths, she is at risk of raising her body temperature above 37 to 38°C causing heatstroke. Heatstroke is abnormally high body temperature as a result of exposure to the sun.

Depending on her existing health status or activities such as exercise at the time, the pregnant mother's body may exceed normal temperature ranges of around 35 to 37°C, absorb more heat than it releases and as a result may experience hyperthermia where the heat regulation system in the body fails and body temperature rises uncontrollably. This excessive rise in uncontrolled temperature can have extreme impacts on the pregnant body of the mother and the developing foetus, causing changes in blood pressure and stress.

Causes of heatstroke and hyperthermia

Among contributing factors, hyperthermia can be caused by heatstroke or severe reactions to certain types of drugs or chemicals. Heatstroke results from exposure to Ultraviolet rays that increases the body's natural temperature level and can be exacerbated by exercise in the sun, drinking too little water, or using diuretic-inducing medications which limits the body's ability to respond to the sun through self-cooling.

Symptoms of hyperthermia

The symptoms of hyperthermia include red, hot skin with swelling in some cases, particularly to the lips. The skin becomes dry as the body is unable to sweat as usual. Hyperthermia from heatstroke may include symptoms of nausea, vomiting, headaches and low blood pressure. These symptoms can result in falling to the ground due to unconsciousness, fainting, or seizure. Confusion and weakness are signs of heatstroke too. Besides harm resulting from falling, heatstroke and hyperthermia puts the expectant mother and her unborn baby at risk of physical disability and death.

Preventing heatstroke and hyperthermia

Heatstroke during sunbathing and exercising in the sun can be avoided to protect the body of the expectant mother and her unborn baby from damage. Preventative measures include:

• avoiding hot environments
• wearing protective clothing
• having regular breaks
• drinking enough fluids
• monitoring body temperature

Some people want to continue the joys of sunbathing and some opt for personal cooling system, like liquid circulating clothing.

Treating heatstroke and hyperthermia

In some cases, some of the self-caring steps listed above can work effectively to help the body engage its own cooling system to reduce body temperature but risks should not be taken even with heatstroke affecting a pregnant mother. Medical attention should be sought.

In the case of hyperthermia, especially involving a pregnant mother, it is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. These caring steps should be applied immediately, including removing clothing, sponging the body with cold water (especially head, neck and torso), and use of a fan, while transporting the individual to a hospital for proper treatments like haemodialysis and intravenous hydration. The pregnancy of a mother is at risk with both heatstroke and hyperthermia.

Tanning and Pregnancy:

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• 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

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