There is no conclusive evidence indicating that the rays from a tanning bed are in fact harmful to the baby, but they are proven to be harmful to you. And though no concrete arguments against tanning exist, experts say the extreme heat may be dangerous.It's relative to the fact that women who are pregnant are advised not to take extremely hot baths, use saunas, or get into hot tubs. The reason being is that the heat of the high temperature water attracts your blood to the surface of your skin, and away from the fetus. Having an elevated body temperature during pregnancy (above 102 degrees F) during the first trimester is also said to be responsible for some of the many spinal malformations that occur during this crucial time of development. Lying on your back too long, later in pregnancy can diminish blood supply to your child because of the pressure your growing baby will put on a main artery.
Besides being harmful, it is likely uncomfortable for the baby. Not only is it hot, but it's extremely bright, and as you near the end of your pregnancy, your skin thins, making the outside world all the more closer to your child.
Many believe that tanning beds pose the same dangers as the sun because they too emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is known to cause skin cancer.
Some might argue that because tanning booths emit only UVA rays, they're therefore not hazardous to your health or your baby's. But one study suggests that visiting a tanning booth ten times in a year can actually double your chances of develop melanoma, which is one of the most deadly types of cancer. Melanoma is also the only type of cancer that spreads to the placenta, which could be disastrous for both you and your baby.
Many tanning salons will not take clients who are pregnant, for liability reasons. One alternative is self tanning products, which are said to be 100% safe during pregnancy, as they are just dyes that stay on the surface of your skin but bring the bottle or ingredient list to your doctor to have a look at just to be sure.
Obviously you should always consult your physician before soaking in any rays, whether it is in a tanning bed, or in the sun. Your physician may be able to identify concerns that are specific to your case, and be able to make a recommendation one way or another.
Have a great summer.
6 comments:
well i must say, i had no idea that melanoma could be passed onto a baby. thanks for the heads up.
i tanned when i was pregnant, but i always covered my belly.
I sun-tanned occasionally, but I was quite big these past 2 summers. I always had my belly covered as well. But I wasn't able to sit in the sun for long, I found it just too hot, and I think the babies were uncomfortable in the sun, because both summers, after just a couple of minutes, they would really start thrashing around.
I am way too pale to do any tanning, but i did use self tanners, and my doc said they were AOK lol
I tanned my belly and my baby didn't seem to mind it. she wasnt squirming around or anything. My doctor never told me one or the other but I didnt ask either.
I could not stand to be out in the sun preg....my head would pain all day even to go to the car. So I didnt tan. But I think its ok to do so, like anything else its all about in moderation.
Kelly
I agree.
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