I'm 26 weeks and want to know if i can go to the tanning bed.
201329
There have been no controlled studies of the direct effects of tanning or tanning beds on pregnant women or their unborn child. In view of the evidence of damage from ultraviolet radiation to the skin of the mother, however, it makes sense to me to avoid this type of activity for the duration of pregnancy. \n\n http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/psafe/0,,midwife_3pbw,00.html\n\nMore articles, written by doctors, not tanning facilities here:\n\nhttp://www.pregnancytoday.com/experts/ob-tanningbeds.htm\n\nhttp://www.storknet.com/cubbies/pregnancy/excf7.htm\n\nIn a letter to the editor in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, a physician reported 3 unrelated patients who gave birth to infants with neural tube defects who reported use of tanning beds early in pregnancy.  All 3 mothers were reportedly young, healthy, non-diabetic, and reported no additional exposures.  Although this observation does not demonstrate that the use of such equipment increases the risk of neural tube defects, a hyperthermic effect can not be ruled out.  Heat-related neural tube defects have been widely demonstrated and data exists suggesting that there is an increased risk for a neural tube defect in offspring of women exposed to heat in the form of hot tubs, saunas, and fevers in early pregnancy.  \n\nhttp://www.genetics.missouri.edu/motis/tanning_and_pregnancy.htm
651282
well, first off, the skin discoloration is actually "normal" for many women during pregnancy. the melanin (pigment) is affected by hormones. if it's been this long, however, you might want to try some over-the-counter skin lightening creams. check out the shelf with hair removal, bleach, and scar reducing products. you might also start taking some vitamin e supplements to help nourish your skin.\n\ngood luck!
279053
0 minutes. A little fact for you: Ever half hour you spend on a tanning bed is equivalent to being out in the sun for 8 hours. \n\nThat means it is 16 times worse. Do you REALLY want to risk it?
664703
Very important. There are some great oils out there with spf 2 or 4 that will still give you a tan and ONLY block out dangerous rays. It won't block the good stuff you're going for. When I was in colleg I only used baby oil. I said the same thing.......I'm fine. My skin can take it. Its the "long term" effects.......not just one time out in the sun. So now.......at my age *cough* (which we so don't need to mention) I'm realizing why I needed the SPF back then. So try at least a minimal amount......and you'll still that you tan beautifully. I'd hate to hear about those mellanoma patches on your skin years from now. \n\nGood luck :)
333214
I hate the lay down beds as well. I always use the stand up ones and I seem to tan evenly all over and there is no turning invloved, just stand there and get tannned all over. I also like the fact that you arn't laying where someone else was just minutes before you.
98827
Sorry to have to be the first to tell you NOT to get as dark as you can.  After seeing my grandfather after a 17 hour surgery to remove skin cancer from his ear and face (they actually removed and than reattached his ear) and then having my 16 year old son diagnosed and treated for Melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer), I can't say enough times to protect your skin.  Our dermatologist said tans are just a sign of how damaged your skin is.  Save your money and possibly your life - don't use a tanning bed.
65809
I would get a second opinion from another Dr...\n\nHowever to start, I would go buy one of those big tubs of shea butter (the kind of lotion pregnant women use on their bellys to not get stretch marks), I would also start wearing boxers and looser fitting jeans.\n\nUse the lotion daily, just enough to coat your penis, and if your wearing tight underwear or tight pants, loosen them up a bit... (Levi's Boot Cut instead of Wranglers, ect)\n\nBut I would certainly get a second opinion from a DR.
190447
you could get a spray on tan
221599
It was funny to her probably because most black people don't want to get darker.  I had a friend who would bring an umbrella and put a towel over herself when near a pool, just to keep from getting extra sun.  \n\nPeople with light skin get tans so they will look like they've been at the beach.  Those with dark skin don't really need to tan to achieve that look.  I guess you could go tanning if you want to.  The result will be that your skin will get a lot darker. \n\nTanning beds have UV lights which have the same affect as the sun, only its more concentrated.  It's bad for your skin (faster aging) and can increase the risk of cancer.  If I do use a tanning bed, I only use it a couple times for 5 to 10 min to get a base tan.  It helps me to not get a burn when I'm outside the rest of the summer.
483194
I get an itch dry red rash on my back from tanning beds. Try laying on your side or switch to a stand up bed. Stand up beds are awesome and take 1/2 the time.\nThey wash that plastic and it is supposed to be sterile but I am sure there are oils and residue left behind and that effects people with sensitive skin.
570273
I've never heard of that!!! I knew the thing about not getting into a hot tub if you were so far along (I got in one during the first 3 months because I was so stiff and sore all the time but the further the preg. went I just grinned and bared it) But I had not ever heard not to use the massage pads. That truly makes no sense! They have special massages out there for preg women . \nWho told you not to use the pad? Was it your doc...if so tell him you'd like to know more of why...if it was just a friend then I would call and ask my ob/gyn.
292728
Exercises is the best thing you can do. You can walk, put your baby in the stroller then walk.You both could be benefited of the vitamin D from sun.Eat lots of fruits & veg and also see your doctor maybe you need iron, so to be sure pls. see your doctor. Take care and  have a great day.
148207
I used to work in a tanning salon for four years.  You are trying to get a tan way too fast.  You must gradually get a tan.  Right now you are sunburned which means your body is going to get rid of all those cells you just killed and all the tanning you've done has been for nothing.  Buy a tanning lotion that is meant for use in the tanning bed.  One that you use outside is NOT recommended.  It can ruin the acrylic on the tanning bed.  If you can afford a tanning bed lotion, as they can be quite spendy ranging from $15 for the cheap stuff, (where you might as well just use a moisturizer), and up to $45 for the awesome stuff.  Back to your problem... you itch because your skin is dried-out.  You need to give your skin a break and go back to the beginning.  When you start tanning again start with going half of the maximum time allowed in the bed OR LESS.  If you burn the first time go less time the next time.  If you didn't get ANY color don't go anymore than 2-3 minutes more than the last time.  You really must gradually work on your tan in a tanning bed go get the best tan for your money.  BTW, if you decide to go for that lotion I recommend something with a bronzer and without the hot stuff... your tanning salon should know what I'm talking about.  ALSO... if you have very pale skin and have never been able tan outdoors you will not be able to get tan in a tanning bed and is not recommended that you try to do so.  Also, always use those tanning eye covers... you can do severe damage to your eyes without doing so, and over time at the very least you can get uncorrectable night visionn problems.
203036
Yes, tanning beds are bad for you.  They do have a skin cancer risk & they may also have hygeine problems .... think of all the sweat & germs from previous users & how efficiently the tanning bed may or may not have been disinfected.  Not to mention the possibility of hidden spy cameras posting your naked pale body on risque internet sites!\nSeriously though, suntans, either natural or from a tanning bed, increase the risk of melanoma & certainly bring on premature sking ageing.
315066
I get spray tanning. I burn on the beds. I have really fair skin
492480
tanning salon...turbo bed
520116
I also suffer from SAD and have been successfully utilizing a tanning salon, in the winter months only, with great results.  I realize UVA/UVB rays can be harmful, but I use sunblock and I only go 2 times a week during Dec./Jan./Feb.; by then, spring is back where I live and I can be outdoors again.