I am 20 weeks pregnant and going to florida next month. is it harmful to the baby to go to a tanning salon prior to vacation? i understand tanning altogether is harmful to my skin but usually go every year for a week prior to vacation to avoid sunburn whi

Going : Going to a tanning salon is not safe during pregnancy, as there are no studies that have shown safety for the fetus during pregnancy. Tanning salons should be avoided for that reason.

Yes: Tanning is not safe and is not recommended for anyone. It increases the risk of skin cancer and accelerates facial and body aging. Sunscreen with titanium and zinc can help protect you from uva and uvb rays, but avoiding sun exposure is best. Spray tanning and tanning lotions are a reasonable alternative to achieve a bronzed look, but they may not be safe for pregnant/ lactating women.

No problem: Whether you get sun outside or go to the salon, the fetus is none the wiser. The process involves the outside shell of your body, not the metabolism inside which influences babies growth and development. I detest these salons and what they do to your risk of skin cancer, but it has no direct effect on your pregnancy.