In an unpredictable climate like ours, using fake tan is often a way to feel brighter on days when you feel grey. It's understandable that when you're lugging your bump around, in pregnancy, you might be tempted to reach for the fake tan.

However, whilst fake tan is a far better way of getting colour than sitting roasting yourself in the sun, pregnancy hormones can make your skin more sensitive and you might get an allergic reaction to fake tan even if you don't normally.

Medical advice suggests you should avoid using fake tan products when you're pregnant. However, if you have been using them already and have had not bad skin reaction, don't worry, this probably means you will not get ill, and your baby will not have been affected.

Cut out using sun beds altogether when you are pregnant.

Tanning pills are outlawed in the UK, but can be available in other parts of the world. These are not advisable for anyone and pregnant women especially as they can harm your unborn baby.

Once you've had your baby, fake tan can be used again (if it doesn't routinely give you a bad reaction) as the chemicals are only working on the top layer of dead skin anyway. However, avoid getting any on the area of your breasts when your baby suckles, if you are breastfeeding.

Remember that fake tans do not have a very high SPF and just because your skin looks tanned, it is still being exposed to the sun's harmful rays when you are out and about.