Diary
The warm weather is here, and you probably have an irresistible urge to get outside. Good for the soul, the sun has the power to put us in a good mood immediately. However, there are risks to overexposure, especially if you are pregnant. So how can you enjoy the sun while pregnant without putting yourself at risk?
Sun and pregnancy: the best habits to have
You are probably already familiar with the recommendations for sun safety. However, when you are pregnant, they are more important than ever, because the hormonal changes linked to pregnancy make your skin more fragile. The first thing to do is not to expose yourself to the sun when it is at its peak, i.e. between noon and 4 pm. Outside of these times, you should expose yourself to the sun in moderation, by protecting yourself with a sun screen factor 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 habits, you will avoid the appearance of a pregnancy mask, or its worsening if it is already present. It affects two out of three women, particularly dark-haired women with a matte complexion. It appears during the fourth month of pregnancy, and is similar to dark spots, located on the forehead, cheeks, around the eyes and mouth. Even if it disappears in theory after childbirth, it is not very aesthetic. It is therefore best to avoid it.
Keeping an eye on your legs during your pregnancy
Heavy legs, and sometimes the appearance of varicose veins, are frequent problems during pregnancy. They are aggravated by exposure to the sun. To limit these problems, avoid exposing your legs, even with a sun cream. If you like tanned legs, you can always apply a self-tanner. Effective and pleasant to use, it allows you to look tan without having to expose yourself. Be careful, however, these products do not protect from the sun, except for a few of them that contain sunscreen.
What should you wear to protect yourself from the sun?
Keep the two-piece swimsuit for swimming. For lounging, opt for the one-piece swimsuit, which has more coverage, or the tankini, which consists of a top and low-cut bottoms and is easier to put on than the one-piece swimsuit. Worn with a pareo or a wrap skirt, these two models go from beach to city in just a few seconds. There are many other beachwear styles to protect you from the sun, and are pretty and pleasant to wear in summer: beach dresses, tunics and light pants are your best allies to emphasize the beautiful shape of your body while protecting you from the sun. Choose loose fitting, natural fibers such as cotton and linen, materials that are breathable and help you stay cool when the temperature rises.
What are your thoughts on tanning beds and tanning pills?
For those who can't imagine spending a whole summer without a tan, the use of artificial means seems tempting. As for indoor tanning, the risks are the same as for natural tanning, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. The same applies to food supplements that promote tanning. They have not been shown to be effective in terms of sun protection, as is sometimes believed, and their long-term effects are not known. As a precaution, it is advisable to avoid them during pregnancy. It is also best to avoid taking any product orally without medical advice during this period.
Pregnancy and heat stroke
Mothers-to-be dehydrate easily, which can lead to fainting, especially after prolonged exposure to the sun. To protect yourself from what is commonly called "heat stroke", you should never leave home without your water bottle and ensure that you are regularly hydrated. You can also invest in a spray bottle to give yourself a nice cool break from the heat.
Lack of sunlight and vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D allows calcium to be fixed to the bones. It is essential for the mother-to-be's skeleton and the formation of her baby's. Exposure to the sun stimulates the production of this vitamin. By protecting themselves from the sun, pregnant women are often afraid of suffering from a deficiency. However, there is no need to prolong exposure to the sun to ensure the production of vitamin D. In summer, 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient to get the necessary dose. In any case, a vitamin D supplement is prescribed during the third trimester of pregnancy to make up for any shortage.