While there is no definitive evidence that tanning beds and pregnancy don't mix, there are some common sense concerns that you need to be aware of:
Especially during the later months of pregnancy, lying on a flat tanning bed can create significant pressure on the lower back and reduce the blood flow to your heart and to the baby.
During pregnancy, your skin may be more sensitive to the UV rays, leading to hives, a rash, or chloasma, which are dark splotches on your skin.
A better answer for expectant mothers may be to take advantage of spray on tanning booths or self-tanning products. These products that are applied to the skin have not been found to have adverse affects on a growing fetus and do not elevate a woman's body temperature.
For many, a terrific tan equates to looking healthy, but when it comes to pregnancy, it is better to sacrifice the convenience of tanning beds than to take a chance on harming your baby. Look for alternative means of tanning or treat yourself to a massage or pedicure to compensate for the stress-relief you may normally feel when using a tanning bed.
