Tanning Beds Are Unhealthy for Pregnant Women

Dermatologist would agree, tanning beds, increase risk of premature aging and malignant melanoma or skin cancer. Obstetricians and gynecologists are concerned, pregnant women, exposed to tanning beds or excessive heat, expose fetus to health risk. During, first trimester or first three months of pregnancy, raising the body's temperature (basal temperature), overheating or hyperthemia, in hot tub, saunas or tanning beds, increase risk of spinal malformation in the fetus. Also, Ultraviolet rays will diminish folic acid level. Reducing amount folic acid level causes neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spinal bifida. Also, attributed to sustainable elevated body temperature above 102 degrees Farhenheit. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to sunburns or yellowish brown pigment skin spots ("chloasma"). Also, exposure to heat is susceptible to sunstroke. According, published article in 1999 by Jablonski in Medical Hypothesis, evaluated "intense or prolonged periconceptual exposure of women to UV light for recreational or therapeutic reasons should be avoided." Furthermore, increase exposure to heat indoor or outdoor tanning, reduce amount of breast milk, because loss of fluids through perspiration.

When tanning beds are not properly disinfected, germs will manifest themselves. These germs cause photoallergic skin reaction, upon contact. Cracks in bed pillows and scratches in the bed's acrylic, attracts disease organisms, sometimes impossible to disinfect. Always, use protective eye - wear, while tanning. This prevents damage to the cornea and retina of the eyes.

Despite advisory concerns, pregnant women should use a tanning bed for short sessions. Drink plenty of fluids, preventing dehydration. Make sure there is adequate ventilation. After first trimester, pregnant women exposure to tanning beds, recommended maximum time ten - fifteen minute sessions, lying on side or standing up, preventing restricted blood flow.

Pregnant women should avoid applying Self Tanning lotions or creams. These products may pass through the skin, placenta, and harmfully affecting the baby. Also, chemicals in tanning lotion might penetrate the skin, bloodstream, and detrimentally effecting baby's circulation. Active ingredient in self-tanning products is dihydorxyacetone (DHA), which penetrates the skin. No conclusive evidence DHA is harmful. Preferably, use lotions containing antioxidants and low synthetic chemicals.