Tanning in Pregnancy in Sun beds:
As we all know, sun beds have the same effect on your skin as the sun – they increase body temperature and break down folate, except they can do it on much deeper level, so carry even higher risk. In solarium beds concentrated doses of UV radiation can be up to five times the strength of the midday summer sun. So theoretically you increase your chances of having a baby with damage to nerves and spinal cord by 5 times. Scary!
So, the bad news is - no solarium tanning in pregnancy. The complications, although don’t happen every time, are so severe that they could affect your and your baby’s whole life. (The good news is : you can eat more! )
Fake tanning industry is said to be the only real option open to an expectant mother. They tell you it is totally safe. Right?
Wrong!
Some spray tan technicians and salons say that its perfectly fine to have spray tan during pregnancy, But when I approached my insurance company they refused to cover me for anyone who is pregnant. Other insurance companys did not seem to care either way. This got me thinking, so decided to investigate for myself, the facts I found are disturbing at the very least.

Disturbing fact no.1.
If you go for a spray tan you will be told that DHA (which is the tanning component in the tanning solution) is FDA approved and therefore “safe”. The thing which they might fail to tell you (because they don’t know) is that FDA approved DHA for external application ONLY. The industry has not provided safety data to FDA in order for the agency to consider approving it for use on exposure routes (inhaling, or contact with mucous membranes such as in the nose, eyes, lips or genitals), including "misting" from tanning booths. I was in the industry for few years, and as far as I know the permit is still “pending”.
So, if you consider spray tanning in pregnancy, it would be advisable for you to wear panties (and not just a thong), goggles and nose plugs. You should also put a thick layer of gloss on your lips, so that spray does not reach your bare lips. (I presume keeping your mouth shut is pretty obvious?)
Disturbing fact no.2.
While DHA might not be harmful, it forms only a small portion of what is actually in the spray tan solution. What about other chemical compounds that are added (I have counted up to 40 ingredients in some solutions and self tanning products)?

Still thinking about a spray tan while your pregnant?