Sun and pregnancy: what precautions should you take?
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The sunny days are here, and you have an irresistible urge to sunbathe. Beneficial for morale, the sun has the power to immediately put us in a good mood. However, exposing yourself too much carries risks, especially if you are pregnant. So, how can you enjoy the sun during your pregnancy without taking any risks?
Sun and pregnancy: good habits to adopt
You probably already know the precautions to follow when exposing yourself to the sun. When you are pregnant, they are more important than ever, because the hormonal upheaval linked to pregnancy makes your skin more fragile. The first precaution is not to expose yourself when the sun is at its zenith, that is to say between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Outside of these times, you must consume the sun in moderation, protecting yourself with a sunscreen SPF 50+, to be applied to the face and parts of the body exposed to the sun. Remember to reapply it every two hours to maintain its effectiveness. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will protect your face and eyes.
Sun and pregnancy mask
By adopting these reflexes, you will avoid the appearance of the pregnancy mask, or its worsening if it is already present. It affects two out of three women, particularly brunettes with dark complexions. It appears from the fourth month of pregnancy, and looks like brown spots, located on the forehead, cheeks, around the eyes and mouth. Even if it disappears in principle after childbirth, it is not very aesthetic. It is therefore better to avoid it.
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Your legs: what to watch during your pregnancy
Heavy legs, and sometimes the appearance of varicose veins, are common problems during pregnancy. They are aggravated by exposure to the sun. To limit these problems, avoid exposing your legs, even with sunscreen. If you like tanned legs, you can always apply a self-tanner. Effective and pleasant to use, it allows you to look tanned without having to expose yourself. Be careful, however, these products do not protect against the sun, except for some of them which contain sun filters.
What outfits should you wear to protect yourself from the sun?
Reserve the two-piece swimsuit for swimming. For relaxing, opt for the one-piece swimsuit, which provides more coverage, or the tankini, which consists of a top and low-waisted briefs, which are easier to put on than the one-piece swimsuit. Worn with a pareo or a wrap skirt, these two models go from the beach to the city in just a few seconds. There are many other outfits to protect you from the sun, which are pretty and comfortable to wear in summer: beach dresses, tunics and lightweight pants are your allies to highlight your beautiful curves while protecting you from the sun. Choose loose shapes, natural fibers like cotton and linen, materials that allow perspiration to escape and keep you cool when the thermometer rises.
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What do you think about UV rays in the cabin and tanning capsules?
For those who can't imagine going a whole summer without a tan, resorting to artificial means seems tempting. As for tanning booths, the risks are the same as for natural tanning, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. The same goes for food supplements that promote tanning. They have not proven to be effective in terms of sun protection, as is sometimes believed, and their long-term effects are unknown. As a precaution, it is advisable to avoid them during pregnancy. It is also preferable to avoid taking any product internally without medical advice during this period.
Pregnancy and heat stroke
Expectant mothers become dehydrated easily, which can lead to discomfort, especially after prolonged exposure to the sun. To protect yourself from what is commonly called “heat stroke”, do not go out without your bottle of water and hydrate yourself regularly. You can also equip yourself with a mister to give yourself a pleasant cooling break, as soon as the need arises.
Lack of sunlight and vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D allows calcium to be fixed on the bones. It is essential for the skeleton of the future mother and for the formation of that of her baby. Exposure to the sun stimulates the production of this vitamin. By protecting themselves from the sun, pregnant women often fear being deficient. However, it is useless to prolong exposure to the sun to ensure the production of vitamin D. In summer, 15 to 30 minutes is enough to have the necessary dose. In any case, a vitamin D ampoule is prescribed during the third trimester of pregnancy to compensate for any possible deficiency.
