Can I tan when pregnant?

July 31st, 2015 by webuser

First talk with your doctor about indoor tanning when pregnant. Every salon will have a policy on whether a pregnant woman can tan or not. Check with your salon to see what their policy is. These policies can be based on what their insurance company requires.

Here is what we know: You can tan, but you need to be very careful about heat and pressure from the baby on your spine, if tanning in a sunbed. We suggest you tan in the morning when the equipment is cooler or make sure the equipment hasn’t been used for some time. As for pressure on the spine from the weight of the fetus, either lay on your side in a sunbed or use a standup unit, especially in the 3rd trimester. Research has shown that you need more vitamin D when pregnant. The natural way to make vitamin D is from UVB light, which comes from a sunbed or sunlight. Just make sure the equipment you are tanning under has UVB – it’s been estimated that over 90% of equipment in Canada has some portion of UVB light. Remember, you don’t need to get a tan to make vitamin D. Dr. Michael Holick (world’s foremost vitamin D researcher) said all you need is a 1/3 to 1/2 a session to make you’re vitamin D in a sunbed. Please make sure you have an industry certified and trained operator looking after you, if you decide to tan.