Pregnancy and tanning
Pregnancy and tanning don't always go together but there are some alternatives you can seek out if you want to have a bronzed glow over the next few months. Being pregnant is a wonderful time in a woman's life but it also comes with a score of challenges. Being with child means you can't do a lot of things the same way you did when you weren't pregnant. Tanning is one of them.
In general pregnancy and tanning is discouraged by doctors but the good news is that there are many ways to achieve a tan and not all of them are hazardous to mother and baby. All pregnant women should be cautious of how much sun exposure they get. The effects of ultraviolet rays can still damage your skin, ruin your complexion, and make you prone to sunburn and the possibility of developing skin cancer. Anytime you plan on stepping out, wear sunscreen or sunblock but make sure it is safe for use on pregnant skin. Certain ingredients and formulas may affect your skin differently now that you are pregnant.
It is best for pregnant women to avoid sunbathing. Instead, stick to the shade and go out into the sun in moderation. Do your best to avoid staying directly under the sun for extended periods of time. That means if you were hoping to get a natural looking tan (even on your growing belly) by lying out on the beach, this is one option that is not for you. While out on the beach, be sure to wear protective clothing and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Pregnancy and tanning beds are not a viable alternative, either. Even though tanning beds don't involve direct exposure to the sun's rays, there are still elements that can potentially cause harm to your baby. Tanning beds tend to raise your body temperature and studies have shown that when this happens it can increase your baby's chances of developing a spinal malformation. Pregnant skin tends to also be more sensitive, and exposure to tanning bed rays can cause discoloration, rashes, and even a deficiency in folic acid, which is essential for proper fetal development.
The best method of obtaining a tan for pregnant mothers is through a good sunless tanning lotion. This type of product doesn't use any form of ultraviolet rays and is much safer for use on the skin. You can ask your doctor to recommend a good sunless tanning product that will be completely safe during pregnancy. However, be sure to read the labels and know what ingredients you are putting on your skin. Because of concerns over the presence of DHA on the skin (the main ingredient in all sunless tanning lotions), medical experts advise that pregnant women wait until after their first trimester before using any type of sunless tanning product.
