Tanning while pregnant with doctors permission: Yes or No?

[Editor-in-Chief]

Tanning Turndown


By Diane Wilson

(07/25/07 -- SANFORD) - A quest to get that golden summer look left a Sanford woman looking for a refund.

It all started after Liberty Saunders went to see her doctor for her three month pregnancy check-up. It was then she asked her doctor if it was OK if she went tanning.

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Tanning is something she considers a simple little pleasure that gives her time to herself. She tells Troubleshooter Diane Wilson, "I got to 12 weeks and I asked him if I could tan and he said sure I don't see why not, and he told me the risks don't get too hot, stay well hydrated, if don't get sunburned."

With her doctor's OK, Liberty heading to Tantalizing Tans in Sanford. She says she told the woman behind the counter, "I just got an excuse from my doctor is there anyway I can get a package and the girl behind the desk was very encouraging and immediately signed me up for a three month unlimited use plan."

Liberty says she signed up for the deal and paid for the package.

The next day when Liberty showed up to tan she said she was told she was not allowed to tan. Liberty says she was told the owner would not allow her to tan without a note from her doctor.

So Liberty says she went back to her doctor and got a note from him. She says, "On a prescription pad he wrote Liberty Saunders has my permission to lay in the tanning bed." I took it to her and she said no not till I talk to your doctor." Liberty adds, "There's no way you can get a hold of anyone, they just don't have time."

Since the owner wouldn't let Liberty tan, she wanted a refund on the package she couldn't use.

Liberty says the owner assured her she'll send her a refund. Liberty waited and waited and says she never got the refund. After a month and no refund, Liberty says she wrote a letter to the owner asking when she'll get her refund. She adds, "The amount is trivial, the money wasn't really the issue because it's less than $100.00, but she reassured me I would get the refund."

Three months later and still no refund so Liberty e-mailed Troubleshooter Diane Wilson. She tells Troubleshooter, "I knew as soon as she hears from you, she'll write the check and she did." Liberty did get her money back from the tanning package she couldn't use.

The owner of Tantalizing Tans said she did verbally tell Liberty she would get a refund but has been extremely busy and simply forgot about it.
She also said Liberty never provided a doctor's note to tan nor did she get Liberty's note reminding her about the promised refund.

Source

[DayDreamer]

I would NEVER let anyone who is pregnant get into a tanning booth for any reason even with a doctors note. (If there is even any doctor out there stupid enough to write a note like that. If the child was born with even the smallest birth defect... Can you say malpractice law suit?) Even if it meant loosing them as a customer permanently. It is to easy for the baby to overheat and could cause so many problems including death to the fetus. There is no way for the mother to monitor the baby while tanning and they would not be able to tell if the baby was in distress. Women who get pregnant and then disregard what is best for the baby absolutely disgust me!! When I was pregnant with my son I made every disission in my life with him in mind, what was best for him not what I wanted. -Sorry that is a whole other issue.

I would however suggest to a women like that who wants to still have her "me time" because we all deserve and need that every now and again, to get a pregnancy massage instead. Then maybe let her know that you will offer her a really great welcome back or congradulations gift of some kind when she returns to tan AFTER the baby is born.

[Jim Fisher]

Ive had women tan all through the pregnacy and no problems ever. Not a big deal.. Now if you are talking hot tub or HP with new lamps. Then the heat might be a issue.. Base beds are fine

[Tanning Queen]

Day dreamer,

So what do you tell the ladies that are out on the beach that are pregnant? IF someone tanned and there was a problem when the baby was born, let them try and prove that tanning caused it. Prenant women need vit D and we all know the only way to get it effectively is thru UV exposure.

Sorry, I had pregnant tanners all the time and just as long as they got a note, I didnt care.

[esun]

Daydreamer,
Do you have any idea of what your talking about or are you just like all the people that think tanning in general is bad for you? Should pregnant women hide indoors In your opinion? come on...
Have you ever discussed this issue WITH a doctor or more than 1?
I have talked to many and researched this issue a lot and from all I've been told (by Dr's) and what I've read,(especially when it comes to the benefit of Vit. D to MOM and the fetus) they all say "just stay hydrated, don't get over heated" so adjust your time accordingly. A booth helps eliminate the strain of getting in and out of a bed in the last trimester.
oh, and theres no need for a note from your DR. They will just charge you for it.
Are you starting to believe moderate UV is dangerous? Its not microwaves we are dealing with, you know!

[sparky]

Can a pregnant woman go to the local pool during the summer months ???

Can a pregnant woman go on vacation to some warm, sunny climate in her condition??

Give me a break!

I've had numerous clients 'with child' continue their responsible tanning practices up to and including the ninth month of pregnancy, with no ill effects, and actually feeling better about themselves during the process.

but, to each his/her own. Keep fueling the fire, I guess.

[Tanning Queen]

Sorry Daydreamer. I didnt know you didnt own a salon yet. You have alot more research beyond the basics to really know about this industry. I suggest you start by taking some classes from ATI or Smart Tan.

[KoolTanz]

I am a new salon owner, five months now, and I just found out that I am pregnant. I am so glad I read this thread. Please post more pros and cons about tanning while pregnant. I know it can be a huge liability issue for the salon owner.

I had heard that as long as the expecting mother doesn't overheat then it's fine to tan.

Marsha

[Tanning Queen]

UV can't penetrate past the skin so really what can happen with exposure? THe only thing you should be concerned about is heat. Tan early in the morning and keep hydrated.

[Brian Oshman]

Oh my...You are going to cook the baby from the inside out!

[jmtan]

Oh geez here we go again....

It's amazing that people say stuff like this...

It is to easy for the baby to overheat and could cause so many problems including death to the fetus. There is no way for the mother to monitor the baby while tanning and they would not be able to tell if the baby was in distress.

without having any idea what they are talking about!

[jmtan]

<------ I tanned with this baby in my belly.

[Tanning Queen]

JM, you photo shopped that photo, I just KNOW your baby had 3 heads and six arms. Dont lie! It was all because of tanning. You are an evil EVIL woman. Shame on you!

BTW, nice job! What's the name?

[jmtan]

LOL Queen! His name is Lucas. He is perfect. Which is amazing considering what a bad mother I am!

[Tanning Queen]

Lots of hair! Since you are already a horrible Mom, you might as well give him a faux hawk, dye it blue and pink, and spray some tatoo's on him. I know you arent TOTALLY bad or else I would say shave it and really tatoo him. LOL!

What a cutie pie. All I can say is start training him young to clean the beds. As soon as he can crawl, put towels on his knees and let him go!

[KoolTanz]

jmtan:

What a precious one! I love the hair!!!

Any advice on tanning while pregnant? Did you tan the entire 9 months?

Marsha

[DarkStar]

Daydreamer,
Spoken like your name.
Do your research before you make just plain dumb statements.

Appropriate UV exposure during pregnancy can improve the fetal health and wellbeing as well as the mothers'.

Many new borns suffer from Vit D deficency due to poor diet and lifestyles of the carrying parent, this may cause major health issues for the newborn during early life particularly if the child is breast feeding, and the mother is Vit D deficent.

Just have the woman tan early in the day prior to the equipment developing residual heat if your concerns are elevated temperatures of the equipment (comfort factor).

[Din]

Daydreamer...i think you tanned more than once in a day too often and killed a few brain cells. Good thing you found this site and can now be edumakated.

I sure as hell hope you don't own a salon......cuz that was just dumb.

[frankie]

The lady I bought one of my salons from tanned the night before she went into labor. My daugher-in-law tanned the last 5 months while she carried my grandson. The doctor told her to wait until after her first trimester to start. This was because of the heat nothing else.

Daydreamer it might be a good idea for you to do some research before posting things you seem to know nothing about. Seems some of your brain cells might be fried. From the tanning bed maybe?

jmtan what an adorable little baby.

[rickmattoon]

The number one question we get from consumers at www.TanningFcats.com is about pregnancy and tanning. Here is what we say to them:

Dear Tanner,

At this time there are no studies on the effects of tanning beds on the unborn child, so anything negative 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!

Please remember: Many tanning facilities have specific rules regarding tanning while pregnant. Some salon owners require a doctor’s note while others may not allow tanning while pregnant. Please check with your salon staff for specific in-house policies.

Tanning Indoor Is An Educated Choice!

Thanks for your question,

Rick Mattoon
American Tanning Institute
www.TanningFacts.com