Pregnancy brings about a multitude of changes, and it is natural to have questions about which parts of your usual routine are still suitable.
Sunbed use during pregnancy is a topic that raises genuine questions, and the honest answer is that the evidence is not entirely clear cut.
What is clear is that there are real considerations worth understanding before making a decision. This guide covers what the current guidance says, what the known risks are, and what steps you can take to make the most informed choice for you and your baby.
Are Sunbeds Safe When Pregnant?
This is a question without a simple yes or no answer and it is important to approach it with that nuance in mind.
BUMPS, the UK’s most trusted evidence-based resource on medicines and treatments during pregnancy, states that while no studies have specifically investigated whether UV rays from sunbeds harm an unborn baby directly, sunbed use during pregnancy is best avoided as a precautionary measure.
This position is based on limited evidence rather than confirmed proof of harm, which is why the guidance is precautionary rather than absolute.
The more clearly documented concerns relate to the mother, particularly around overheating, increased skin sensitivity, and the potential impact on folic acid levels during the first trimester. These are covered in detail below.
The consistent advice from healthcare professionals is that if you are pregnant and considering sunbed use, speaking to your midwife or GP before making a decision is the right first step. They can give you advice tailored to your individual pregnancy and health history.
Source: BUMPS, 2016
What Are the Risks of Using Sunbeds When Pregnant?
Understanding the risks allows you to make a genuinely informed decision. The primary concerns around sunbed use during pregnancy relate to the mother rather than directly to the baby, though the indirect effects are worth taking seriously.
Overheating: Sunbeds raise body temperature, which during pregnancy can lead to headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, and nausea. Severe overheating with a body temperature above 39°C can result in heat exhaustion and dehydration, which can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. Keeping sessions short and staying well hydrated can help reduce this risk.
Increased skin sensitivity: Pregnancy hormones make skin considerably more reactive to UV radiation, meaning the risk of burning is higher than usual. Even a moderate UV dose may cause a burn that would not have occurred before pregnancy. Choosing lower intensity settings and shorter sessions reduces this risk.
Melasma: Also known as the mask of pregnancy, melasma causes darker patches to appear on the face. UV exposure can trigger or worsen this condition. It is worth being aware that melasma patches can take months to fade after pregnancy.
Folic acid: Some studies suggest UV light may reduce folic acid levels in the body. Folic acid is essential for neural tube development in the first trimester. These studies were not conducted on pregnant individuals and the effects during pregnancy remain unclear, but it is a consideration worth discussing with your GP, particularly in the first trimester.
Source: BUMPS, medicinesinpregnancy.org
Precautions If You Choose to Use a Sunbed When Pregnant
If you have spoken to your healthcare provider and decided to continue with sunbed use during pregnancy, taking precautions can help minimise the associated risks.
Consult your midwife or GP first. Personalised advice based on your individual health and pregnancy is always the right starting point.
Choose low-pressure sunbeds. Low-pressure beds emit lower levels of UV radiation than high-pressure alternatives, offering a more moderate tanning experience that reduces the risk of overheating and burning.
When choosing low-pressure sunbeds, you get a balanced mix of UVA and UVB rays, around 75% UVA and 25% UVB. For a full breakdown of the different types of tanning beds available, our equipment guide covers everything you need to know.
Keep sessions short. Reducing the duration of each session limits UV exposure and helps manage body temperature.
Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after your session to counteract the dehydrating effect of heat exposure.
Avoid peak pregnancy periods. The first trimester is generally considered the most sensitive period. Many healthcare providers suggest being particularly cautious during this time.
Take breaks. Do not stay on the sunbed for your usual full session. Allow your body time to cool down between sessions and listen to how you feel.
Alternatives to Sunbed Tanning During Pregnancy
Pregnant women must explore all their options to achieve a sun-kissed look without the unnecessary risks.
Exploring Sunless Tanning Options
Spray tans are generally considered an alternative to sunbeds during pregnancy as they do not involve UV radiation.
If you choose to have a spray tan during pregnancy, ensure the space is well ventilated, request protective covering for your eyes, nose, and mouth, and consider a self-tanning lotion or cream applied by hand as an alternative that removes the inhalation risk entirely.
The FDA approves DHA only for use on the outside of the body and has not approved it for inhalation, so caution is advised.
Source: MotherToBaby, 2026.
A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Toxicology Reports found that inhalation exposure to DHA caused significant inflammatory responses and lung injury in animal subjects, with female subjects showing increased lung damage after repeated exposure.
Source: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2024.
Prioritising Skincare
Maintaining healthy skin is crucial during pregnancy. Gentle skincare products and hydration can keep the skin looking radiant.
Pregnancy-approved moisturisers and sunscreens can protect the skin from dryness and UV damage.
Enjoying Natural Sunlight
Spending time outdoors can be beneficial, but it’s important to do so safely. Using appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, can help prevent sunburn and skin damage while enjoying the benefits of natural sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use sunbeds when pregnant?
There is no definitive evidence that sunbed UV rays directly harm an unborn baby, but the risks to the mother are well documented. If you are considering using a sunbed during pregnancy, speak to your midwife or GP first.
Can you use a sunbed in the first trimester?
The first trimester is generally considered the most sensitive period of pregnancy as a baby’s organs are forming during the first 12 weeks. Most healthcare providers advise being particularly cautious during this time and many recommend avoiding sunbeds altogether in the first trimester.
Can sunbeds affect folic acid during pregnancy?
Some studies suggest that UV exposure may reduce the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation, with research published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology finding that UV exposure accounted for up to a 20 percent reduction in folate levels in women of childbearing age taking folic acid supplements.
Source: Queensland University of Technology, 2014.
However other studies have found no significant reduction in folate levels from UVA exposure specifically, and the research has not been conducted on pregnant individuals, meaning the effects during pregnancy remain unclear.
Given the importance of folic acid for neural tube development in the first trimester, all pregnant women are advised to take 400 micrograms daily and to discuss any concerns with their GP or midwife.
Are there alternatives to sunbeds when pregnant?
Self-tanning lotions and creams applied by hand are widely considered the safest tanning option during pregnancy as they involve no UV radiation and no inhalation risk. Spray tans are a possible alternative but require good ventilation and protective measures to minimise inhalation of DHA. Always consult your midwife or GP before trying any new beauty treatment during pregnancy.
Can sunbeds cause overheating during pregnancy?
Can you use sunbeds when breastfeeding?
There is no specific medical guidance advising against sunbed use while breastfeeding on safety grounds related to the baby. The general health considerations around sunbed use apply regardless of whether you are breastfeeding. If you have specific concerns, speak to your GP.
Making the Right Choice for You and Your Baby
Sunbed use during pregnancy is a personal decision, and one that deserves careful consideration rather than a blanket yes or no.
The medical guidance is precautionary rather than absolute, based on limited research into direct effects on the baby and well-documented risks to the mother around overheating, skin sensitivity, and folic acid levels.
If you do choose to use a sunbed during pregnancy, taking the right precautions makes a meaningful difference. Keep sessions short, choose a low-pressure bed, stay well hydrated, and always speak to your midwife or GP first. They are the best person to advise you based on your individual pregnancy and health history.
If you would like to visit one of our salons, our team will always ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your session. Find your nearest SunShine Co. salon here.
