| A Family Approach to Photos |
|
|
Your Photo Albums: Edit Albums Upload New Pictures |
|
|
| Pregnancy |
|
Get Weekly Updates on your Child E-Mailed to You
|
| Can a self-tanning product be used while a woman is pregnant? |
|
At this time, no conclusive studies have proven self-tanners to be either safe or unsafe for a developing fetus. Since these products are rather new to the market, there has not been enough time to evaluate if self-tanners and their active ingredient - DHA (DiHydroxyAcetone) - have any effect on a fetus. DHA usually comes from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane and is considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be a safe way to "tan" skin without sun exposure. Over the counter products bought in stores normally contain about 3-5% DHA while professional products contain approximately 5-15% DHA. What remains relatively unstudied is how much of the self-tanning product is actually absorbed into the skin and, therefore, potentially carried to a developing fetus. Additionally, using a self-tanner during pregnancy may not have the same skin glow effect a woman would normally get when she is not pregnant. Since pregnancy hormones can have varying effects on a woman's skin during pregnancy (i.e., skin rash, "orange" skin tint), the best advice may be to avoid the use of these products altogether during pregnancy. Take the time to check with your regular prenatal doctor if you have a question about a specific self-tanning product. |
| Can a tanning bed be used while a woman is pregnant? |
|
Fortunately, ultraviolet rays cannot filter through the uterus, leaving the baby protected from any harmful effects during pregnancy. However, it is still not advised to use a tanning bed during pregnancy as it can raise a pregnant woman's body temperature to an unsafe level for the fetus. If a pregnant woman should become overheated, raising her own body temperature, this results in the baby's internal temperature also rising. In extreme cases this may increase the risk of miscarriage or spina bifida. Spina bifida is a common birth defect, resulting in the spinal cord incompletely forming and not closing properly during pregnancy. Talk to your regular prenatal doctor if you have additional questions or concerns about using a tanning bed during pregnancy. |
| Alternatives for achieving a healthy skin glow |
|
Some women are lucky enough to have radiant skin during pregnancy simply due to the extra hormones generated by their bodies. However, for women who do not have this fortune bestowed on them, they can consider purchasing a bronzer that will help skin achieve a radiant glow without the concern of unhealthy risks to their developing babies. |
| Ask Your Own Question |
 Ask a Question |
|
| Give a Suggestion Contact edHelperBaby |
| Note: All information on edHelperBaby is of a general nature for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Your use of this site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. |