At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child, so anything you hear is nothing but myths. The UV light used in tanning beds do not reach the child, therefore your baby is not at risk. During the first trimester your doctor will advise you not to do anything that will raise your body's temperature, such as hot tubs, saunas, and tanning beds. But, it may be okay to have 10 -15 minute sessions while lying on your side or standing in a tanning booth, to prevent your blood flow from being restricted.

The most important thing to remember is to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Your skin during pregnancy is also sensitive to burning, so you should start with short sessions until your body is tanned. Pregnancy and tanning beds is no more harmful to your child than lying in the sun. Just use common sense and make sure you are comfortable. It's always best to go with the motto, if you think it's not worth the risk. then don't do it! 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 tube defects such as spina bifida. Some health experts also maintain that the skin of a pregnant mother is more sensitive to ultraviolet rays and may be at a greater risk of acquiring unexpected sunburn. If you are concerned about your pregnancy and tanning beds and then you are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from both the sun and tanning beds. If you do decide to get an indoor tan, doctors also recommend staying as cool as possible and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid light-headedness and dehydration. Legal stuff: Consult your own doctor if you are concerned with pregnancy and tanning beds.