Tanning while pregnant, is it Safe?

There’s a number of ways to get tan…natural sun, tanning beds, home spray on kits, spray booths, professional spray-on tans, etc. But the big question still is, “Is tanning safe while you’re pregnant?”

The problem with that question is that there are very few if any studies about the safety of tanning while pregnant. Many experts will agree that your body temperature while pregnant is an important factor and being out in the sun or in a tanning bed can increase your likelihood of overheating. So, they advise drinking plenty of fluids in order to avoid dehydration. Also, because of hormone changes, your skin is more prone to sunburn due to increased sensitivity, so you should use plenty of sunblock.

The alternative? Spray on tans, but are they safe? There’s just as much research stating that it’s safe as unsafe. Some of the unsafe issues are the chemicals involved, and that fact that you’re breathing them in. Other research points out not to use any home spray on tan during your first trimesters since the vital organs of the fetus are newly forming.

You’re just as likely to find research stating that tanning while pregnant is safe, both natural and artificial tanning. Saying you can safely tan naturally but limit your exposure time, or that the water based spray on tan kits are completely safe to use.

My opinion? See your OBGYN first before you do anything and have your notepad with questions ready. And personally, why even bother with the risk in the first place. There’s not enough evidence to support that tanning while pregnant is safe. On the other hand you’re probably saying to yourself that there’s no evidence saying that it’s unsafe. But again why take the risk?