Little one on the way? Congratulations! In this whirlwind of a time, there are so many milestones to look forward to, but, equally, many challenges ahead. The first you’re likely to encounter is wading through all of the health and lifestyle tips that seem to come from all directions. You might be keen to retain your current day-to-day, but there may be certain things you need to tweak for you and your baby’s health. Which brings us to the topic of today’s blog: can you use sunbeds during pregnancy?
Well, like many other lifestyle choices – diet, for instance – there are nuances. Eating well-balanced, nutrient-rich meals and taking supplements where necessary is a positive step towards a smoother pregnancy, but there are also things you should avoid, like unpasteurised dairy products.
Tanning while pregnant is much the same; it shouldn’t pose a huge problem overall, but there are specific steps you can take to mitigate the risks. And, most importantly, always seek the opinion of a medical professional before committing to a decision.
*Note that the following shouldn’t be considered medical advice.*
Is tanning safe during pregnancy?
Knowing the toll pregnancy takes on the body, we understand that many soon-to-be parents want to look their best. So, it makes sense that maintaining a tan you worked long and hard on achieving might be at the top of your self-care list. After all, you could end up waiting a while for that pregnancy glow to kick in.
So, the real question: is tanning safe during pregnancy? The good news is that it’s unlikely any type of tanning will cause long-term adverse effects or harm your developing baby. However, this information doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions or ignore the risks.
Tanning, like any other activity, is best done in moderation, whether regular sun exposure or getting on a sunbed. As long as you do it responsibly – i.e., following safety tips such as limiting your exposure and regularly hydrating – you can achieve good results without worrying excessively.
Understanding the possible risks for pregnant people
We’ve just brushed on the fact that tanning can carry some general risks, but what exactly are they? The first can be felt by anyone, not just those who are expecting: if you are not careful about how much UV you are absorbing, it can lead to overexposure, and overexposure could mean skin damage.
The next are specific to pregnancy. Because of the way that pregnancy hormones increase skin sensitivity and pigmentation, you might find that sunbathing, tanning beds or indeed fake tan exacerbate itchy, dry or blotchy skin. Additionally, pregnant bodies are working overtime for both you and the baby, so temperature regulation can be a problem, leading to overheating.
This said, know that the majority of pregnant people can carry on with their daily routines as normal, only making minor lifestyle changes.
How do different tanning methods compare
Many mums-to-be find themselves scratching their heads when it comes to their tanning routine. How should you weigh up the options? And which is best overall? Here’s a quick breakdown to clear things up.
Using sunbeds while pregnant
Can you get on sunbeds when pregnant? The general consensus is that using a tanning bed while pregnant isn’t going to harm you or your baby, nor impact the birth. The primary concern should be preventing overheating as we mentioned earlier.
If you do decide to use a sunbed during your pregnancy, you should limit the duration you spend in them as well as the frequency. Shorter sessions will help you mitigate overheating and any issues that arise as a result of skin sensitivity. Whenever you tan, don’t forget to hydrate before and after to achieve the best results.
Speaking of the best results… Basking in UV light may even help alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms such as eczema flare-ups and acne. And because using sunbeds can help your body synthesise vitamin D, you can bolster your immune system. This is particularly true of those with vitamin D deficiency, which is considered to be common in pregnant women.
Sunbathing while pregnant
This is a great option if your pregnancy stretches over the summer months; however, it isn’t as controllable UV-wise or convenient as sunbeds, which you can arrange to hire at home. Regardless of this, if you do wish to spend some time under the sun, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, avoid peak temperatures and apply the appropriate SPF when necessary.
Getting a spray tan while pregnant
Compared to tanning beds, getting a spray tan is a lot shorter term when it comes to appearance – not to mention the less realistic results. The formula contains DHA to colour your skin, which is the same ingredient used in self-tanning products. While there’s little data on the effects of inhaling it, the NHS advises against getting a spray tan when pregnant.
What about self-tanners?
As we mentioned, self-tanning lotions contain the chemical DHA to pigment the skin. There’s no evidence of the formula being harmful when applied to the skin and you don’t have to worry about fumes like spray versions; although some have quite strong scents, so be wary that you might not be able to tolerate the smell. Generally, self-tanning lotions are safe to use while pregnant, but you should always check the ingredients list on the product first.
If you want to avoid risking an orange end result, however, it’s better to go down the UV light route. Also, note that tanning pills should be avoided and are actually banned in the UK because they pose major health risks.
So, can you use sunbeds during pregnancy?
By now it will be apparent that, yes, you can enjoy the benefits of sunbeds during pregnancy, but you should exercise caution and, above all, consult your doctor or midwife before doing so.
If you don’t want to use them while pregnant, you could also consider using them in the run-up to the pregnancy in order to boost your vitamin D levels. After all, being in good health can improve your chances of conceiving and then having a smooth journey from trimester to trimester.
For more information on where to start with sunbeds, explore the rest of our blog.