Is it okay to tan while pregnant?

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, but it comes with a lot of questions and dilemmas. Especially a first-time mum-to-be has a lot of doubts. One of them is whether you can tan while pregnant? Check it out!

Tanning during pregnancy – yes or no?

Summer, sun, beach… How can you resist sweet laziness on a sunbed? If you’re expecting a baby during the summer months, that doesn’t mean you have to give up sunbathing. Yes, sunbathing while pregnant is possible-but be careful. Many things are allowed during pregnancy, but knowledge and preparation are essential. Today we’re dispelling doubts about tanning while pregnant. Find out how to tan sensibly while pregnant, which will give you a good night’s rest and, most importantly, spare you the unpleasant consequences

First and foremost, use common sense

If you like your skin tanned and enjoy relaxing on the beach, don’t give up tanning during a normal pregnancy. Sunbathing in moderation has a positive effect on your body. The level of endorphins will certainly rise after an encounter with the sun! And a happy mom means a happy baby, even during pregnancy. How should you prepare for sunbathing?

• Avoid spending long hours in the sun, and don’t go to the beach when the radiation is strongest, i.e. between 11:00 and 16:00;
• choose high protection sunscreens. Regardless of your condition, remember that UV rays have an even stronger effect on pregnant women. Filter 50 is best – and not just when lying on the beach, but even when walking in the sun!
• hydration is essential; you should drink at least 3 liters of water a day, and even more when on the beach. You can also use thermal water to cool down;
• protect your head – a hat or a baseball cap is a must have for the beach.

In what position can a pregnant woman sunbathe?

The position in which you tan when pregnant is also important. Don’t lie flat on your back. It’s not a good position for an expectant mother. An enlarged pregnancy belly can compress blood vessels, which in turn carry oxygen and nutrients to the baby. The wisest thing to do on the beach is to have a comfortable beach chair with you, but also to get up and walk around frequently. Lying on the beach for several hours is not an option for you right now!

Is sunlight dangerous for the baby?

Some moms worry that sunlight may be dangerous to their unborn baby. Rest assured – scientists refute such theories. The sun doesn’t pass through the mother’s skin, the amniotic sac or the fluids in it. So don’t cover your belly on sunny days

There’s also a risk

Why is it important to be sensible about sunbathing during pregnancy? Although there is no evidence that sun exposure is harmful to the foetus, some findings are alarming. First of all, hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman increase the risk of skin discoloration. Pigmentation spots from pregnancy are difficult to remove and have a recurrent character. In addition, it is worth remembering that the body temperature of a pregnant woman is slightly elevated anyway, so additional strong heating may lead to fainting or premature contractions

Consult a doctor

If you have any doubts about sunbathing or any other activity during pregnancy, you should consult the doctor who’s in charge of your pregnancy. Tanning in itself isn’t unhealthy, and exposure to vitamin D has its definite benefits, but you should also remember that every pregnancy is different. In some cases, the risks are greater and obviously not worth it. Your doctor will definitely clear all your doubts

Read also Sunscreens and pregnancy – which products are recommended for moms-to-be?

Main photo: New Africa/ stock.adobe.com