Pregnancy is not a disease; it is a particular condition in a woman's life and reproductive cycle. With the necessary precautions you can do everything, even sunbathe, unless it has been contraindicated by the doctor for some reason.
What precautions should you take to expose yourself to the sun safely during pregnancy?
Sun protection
Everyone must use a sunscreen before sun exposure; in pregnancy, however, the use of a good cream becomes even more important.
Actual hormonal changes expose the pregnant woman to the appearance of unsightly dark spots on the skin, especially that of the face. This is called chloasma or melasma gravidico .
To prevent it, use a sunscreen with very high protection (50+) whenever you expose yourself to the sun. The cream must provide protection against UVA and UVB rays and should be spread over the entire body, with particular attention to the face, about 10 minutes before sun exposure, on dry skin.
In pregnancy, all women should use a high protection, even those with a dark skin type . The brunettes, in fact, are more exposed to the risk of chloasma because the skin is more predisposed to produce melanin; blondes, on the other hand, are more prone to sunburn and sunburn.
How to get a perfect tan without risks?
The best hours for sunbathing during pregnancy
It is very important not to sunbathe in the central hours of the day, which are the hottest. So you should go to the beach early in the morning, until 11.00 am, and in the afternoon, not before 4.00 pm / 4.30 pm.
Exposure to the sun in the hottest hours exposes you to the risk of sunstroke, dehydration and overheating, all of which are always prevented, but in pregnancy it is even more important.
Other precautions for sunbathing during pregnancy
- Even in the best hours, it is advisable not to expose yourself to the sun for too long, especially if the day is too hot. It is therefore recommended to do some "pause" in the shade under the umbrella, at the bar or in other shady areas, and do not stay on the beach for too long. Sunbathing during pregnancy is fine, but tan sunbathers should be satisfied with a little less tan than usual: there will be time to make up for the following years.
- Keep away from the head . Pregnancy is a perfect time to show off wide-brimmed hats. Even when sunbathing, it is best to keep your head at least in the shade.
- Drink a lot. Always carry a small bottle of water and constantly hydrate yourself, even with the help of fresh seasonal fruit.
- Keep a sprayer full of water within reach, to cool off even under the umbrella and face the heat better, without having to get up continuously. Bathing helps keep the body fresher. Overheating can be very harmful, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it can compromise correct fetal development.
- The heat tends to lower the pressure. To prevent episodes of lipotimia or fainting, common especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is important to avoid getting up quickly from chairs and beds.
