When it comes to tanning during pregnancy, arguments arise. But still, there are numerous options to consider and so we are going to look into each of them in detail.

First of all, there is natural outdoor tanning. Here pretty much what you should do is to increase your sunscreen SPF to at least 30, to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and limit the sun exposure period. If you keep it reasonable, you won't have to worry about the risk of hyperthermia. Remember to wear a hat at all times. If all of a sudden you start feeling dizzy or nauseated, get yourself inside right away. However, some doctors do not recommend tanning during pregnancy as the sun exposure can cause the skin disorder Melasma.

This includes some separate areas of your face skin turning darker or even a shade of brown. If you are lucky, this will end after a few months, but there are still cases when the effects become permanent. Some professionals notice that avoiding too much UV during pregnancy leaves a woman's skin healthier and younger-looking. The medical advice is so that avoiding tanning at least during the first trimester of pregnancy will let you forget all the worries about the nasty risk of hyperthermia, which might result in baby's spinal malformations.

Getting an indoor tan during pregnancy is another subject for heated debate. As a rule, doctors advise no high-temperature activities at least in the first trimester of pregnancy. Forget about tanning beds, saunas and hot tubs. Those might be the reasons for mother body overheating and cause spinal malformations. Attending tanning beds is also linked with folic acid shortage, which is vital during the first pregnancy trimester. This substance takes care of the baby's right spinal development and prevents neural tube defects.

When you move on to the second trimester and won't have to worry about spinal malformations any more, 10 or 15 minute sessions of indoor tanning will pretty much appear reasonable. But remember to lie on your side in a tanning bed or search for a salon with stand-up tanning booths. First of all, never rely on your own judgment when it comes to the risk of hyperthermia, no matter how experienced you might be. Every pregnancy is unique and requires individual approach. So, consult your doctor before making the final decision. This is who will give you individual advice regarding the risk of mother body overheating specifically for you.

The safest way to be both pregnant and tanned is using self-tanners. That pretty much sounds like the best option to settle for. No risk of hyperthermia and spinal malformations. But keep in mind that your delicate state also makes your skin more delicate. And even if you are a self-tanning expert, first test the product on a small area of skin. The self-tan ingredient has proven to be safe and the DHA component has been in use since the sixties.

So, think twice before tanning during pregnancy whatever the way and always remember to get professional medical consultations on the risk of hyperthermia.