Is tanning while pregnant safe?

According to What to Expect, tanning beds should be avoided by the fifth week of pregnancy. Tanning beds can potentially raise body temperature to a level that is harmful to the fetus.

According to BabyCenter, body temperatures in pregnant women over 102 degrees Fahrenheit are associated with spinal malformations in fetuses, and it is possible for the body to reach this temperature when using a tanning bed. Additionally, lying down on the back, as occurs in a tanning bed, can potentially restrict blood flow to a pregnant woman's heart and the heart of her fetus. Tanning sprays, creams and lotions are harmless and may be used to maintain a tan throughout the duration of pregnancy.