Image: Shutterstock
Pregnancy is one of the most magical phases in your life. After all, your sweet little baby is growing inside you! So, it’s imperative that you keep both you and your baby healthy and safe. However, this isn’t as easy as one would think. Due to all the hormonal changes happening to your body, it just doesn’t function the same. Being pregnant means that you have a new set of rules to adhere to. Even the smallest decisions could pose a major threat. For example, did you know that simple pleasures like sunbathing can be dangerous? However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid catching some sunlight. After all, vitamin D is good for you. Protecting yourself from the sun while pregnant may warrant you using a higher SPF or hunting for a great chemical-free sunscreen. There are various options to keep safe while sunbathing. Read on to know them all!
Can You Sunbathe While Pregnant?
Image: Shutterstock
Let’s start with the basics. Yes, you can sunbathe while pregnant. Women have been doing it unintentionally for ages. Many women, to this day, work outdoors while pregnant all day long. So, it’s completely doable. However, it is important to take rest periods to cool off. Your bodily changes will make cooling down harder, so make sure to rest under the shade whenever you feel strained. And remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. Sunbathing doesn’t really affect your pregnancy in any way. In fact, it’s rather good for you. Vitamin D will help keep your teeth, nails and muscles healthy and will help regulate the calcium and phosphate content in your body (1). When you are pregnant you also have more melanin stimulating hormones which means that you can get a tan more easily. How amazing is that!
What Are The Risks Of Sunbathing While Pregnant?
Image: Shutterstock
It is due to this higher hormone level that you need to take care while being under the sun for long periods of time. You could develop melasma while pregnant. These are dark pigmented patches that appear on the face. Sometimes, they fade after giving birth but other times, the skin condition doesn’t go away (2). Besides, you are still susceptible to sun damage. And prevention is always better than cure, especially as there is no way to reverse sun damage. It also causes changes in the DNA of skin cells which reduces the efficiency of your immune cells (3). Remember that the baby inside you is affected by the temperature of your body. This means that if you’re hot, your baby feels hotter. Take the time to cool off in the pool of the sea.
Ways To Protect Your Skin During Pregnancy
1. How To Use Sunscreen The Correct Way
Image: Shutterstock
We all know that sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays. But in order for it to be effective, it must be used properly. SPF is the most important part of your skin care regime, especially while pregnant. So make sure to stock up on your favorite sunscreen. Apply a generous amount in places that are exposed to the sun. It must always be applied at the last stage of your regime. If you’re by the pool make sure to reapply right after getting out of the water. Otherwise, reapplying every two hours is mandatory. It is important to stay on top of your sunscreen usage in order to protect your belly, especially if it is under direct sunlight and isn’t covered up. If you are concerned about using a chemical sunscreen, swap it for a mineral based sunscreen. These will sit on the skin instead of getting absorbed into it.
2. Always Wear A Hat
Image: Shutterstock
Your hat is your new best friend. So make sure you always have it close at hand. Wearing protective gear to cover your scalp and hide your face will help you feel cooler. It doesn’t matter what kind of hat you opt for, as long as it functions in creating a barrier between you and the direct rays of the sun. Besides, hats are definitely in right now. There’s nothing like a big hat on a sunny day to make you look chic and keep you cool and comfortable.
3. Stay Out Of The Sun Whenever Possible
Image: Shutterstock
It’s best to avoid the sun during 11 am to 3 pm, that is, while it’s at its strongest. This way there is a lesser chance of you getting dehydrated or suffering from sun damage. Instead opt for an early morning walk or an evening stroll. They are far more enjoyable and will leave you feeling refreshed instead of sweating and tired.
It’s perfectly okay to sunbathe while pregnant as long as you are careful and don’t overdo it. Your summer doesn’t have to end. Simply keep our tips in mind and you’ll be right as rain. Is there something we’ve missed out on, in our list? Let us know in the comments section!
