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Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. Is it safe to use a tanning bed while you are pregnant? If so, is it safe to tan in natural sun light?

A. It is not recommended to use a tanning bed during pregnancy. If you are "laying out" in natural sunlight you should take care not to become overheated. Staying out for only short periods of time, drinking plenty of cool fluids; especially water and using a good protection from those UV rays would be wise as well.

You would also want to avoid hot tubs and whirlpools where the water would be very warm, about 95 degrees F or less. The higher temperatures and overheating can cause the mother's core temperature to rise and may cause brain damage in the baby.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.