Being pregnant has many ups and downs, one of the downs being how limited you are in what products you can use and what you can consume.
It’s always a tough call when asking about anything being safe while pregnant, and asking Dr. Google, A.K.A. the entire world that all of a sudden has degrees in medicine, you will get many mixed answers, especially when it comes to asking if it’s safe to get a spray tan while pregnant.
As you are aware, there are chemicals in spray tan products, and it’s not yet clear if the chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream; however, if you know anything about the largest organ, your skin, then you would know that the skin absorbs 60% of products that you apply to it, so it may be safe to assume that your skin absorbs some of the spray tan and the chemicals that lie within it.
Spray Tanning While Pregnant
Is it safe? Nobody can really say for sure. When I’m pregnant, my motto is “If I don’t know, I assume ‘no’.” So I say it’s not safe.
Do people get a spray tan while pregnant? Sure, some people do, and their babies are born perfectly healthy. Some moms-to-be go tanning enough to where you’d think their baby will come out with a tan, but they don’t. It is all a matter of preference and what makes you feel good. If you’re going to feel guilty getting a spray tan, then don’t.
Many tanning salons will turn away a pregnant woman because it’s considered a liability for them. Why else would something be considered a liability? There has to be either some risk, or just a whole lot of uncertainty. Either way, you need to decide if the potential risks outweigh the desired benefits. If you really want a spray tan while pregnant, there are other ways to achieve this look without stepping into a tanning booth.
Ways To Tan While Pregnant
- Sunbathing: The best and safest way to get a sun kissed look while pregnant is to, well, get sun kissed! Going all natural with your tanning, as long as it’s not the middle of winter, will help you get tan while helping your body get that likely needed vitamin D. Just be sure to use appropriate products to protect yourself from getting a sunburn.
- Self Tanning: Sunless tanning lotions are also generally safe during pregnancy, although you might get mixed answers about these as well. Your best bet is to read reviews and ingredients to be sure you are buying safe, quality products.
If you are looking for advice on specific products, posting in pregnancy forums will yield many answers from people who know a bit about the products in question.
It is important that when you are pregnant and have questions as to whether or not something is safe for you and baby, that you consult your midwife or OB GYN. They are the specialists in the field, and have likely researched and answered your very question for other expectant mothers in the past. Trust your medical professionals with all of your questions and concerns; that is what they are there for!