Is it bad to go tanning in a tanning bed, while pregnant?
Although both doctors are in agreement that they UVA and UVB rays emitted by the bulbs in tanning beds can be as dangerous as the rays of the sun to human skin tissues, those rays do not penetrate far enough into the body to harm a foetus. However, some mid-wives, obstetricians and gynaecologists do have some concerns about pregnancy and tanning beds. During the first trimester of pregnancy, these health experts do not advise pregnant women to indulge in any activity that might raise their body temperature such as hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds. The overheating of the mother’s body (also called hyperthermia) is associated with some spinal malformations. It should also be noted that typically hyperthermia develops after the mother’s body is exposed to temperatures of 102 Fahrenheit or more for several hours. Still, it comes to pregnancy and tanning beds, there has been a suggested link between ultraviolet rays and folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is responsible for preventing neural
