Sunbathing During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

Sunbathing during pregnancy is not prohibited as long as the expectant mother handles it sensibly and moderately. During pregnancy, the skin becomes more sensitive, and the lack of appropriate protection can lead to sunburn, while prolonged sun exposure can lead to dehydration. Other popular methods among women for achieving a nice tan are not recommended, as the substances involved can pose a risk to the unborn child.

According to experts, moderate sunbathing during pregnancy can benefit both the mother and the baby. Sun exposure increases the level of Vitamin D3, which encourages the pregnant woman to be more active, helps prevent depression, and contributes to bone development. Women who enjoyed sunlight during pregnancy were less likely to develop osteoporosis. So, how can one tan during pregnancy?

Can You Tan During Pregnancy?

The question of “pregnancy and sunbathing” remains controversial, even though sunbathing is not actually forbidden during this time. It is possible to tan during pregnancy if the expectant mother protects her skin properly and spends time in the sun in moderation. Reckless sunbathing can lead to serious consequences, not just for pregnant women but also for non-pregnant women.

Many doctors argue that sunbathing during pregnancy is not advisable. Why? Pregnant women’s skin becomes more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation due to hormonal changes in the body, and without proper protection, it can burn quickly. Additionally, unsightly pigment spots can develop. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid the sun between 11 and 16 o’clock., when the sun is at its strongest.

Sunbathing during pregnancy is also not recommended for another reason. The heat causes the blood vessels of the pregnant woman to expand, so prolonged sun exposure can result in visible spider veins on the skin or sudden bleeding from the genital tract. Therefore, women in the first trimester should avoid sunbathing. Overheating can lead to dehydration, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

So, can you tan during pregnancy? Yes, but only at the right times, with sunscreen of SPF 50 and plenty of fluids. The belly should also be covered. Sunbathing the belly during pregnancy is not recommended.

Pregnancy and Sunbathing – Self-Tanners and Spray Tans

Using self-tanners during pregnancy is absolutely prohibited. The reason for this ban is the presence of dihydroacetone – an organic compound that gives the skin a beautiful brown color. Many researchers believe that the molecules of this substance are too large to enter the bloodstream of the mother and baby, but no studies have been conducted to confirm this theory. Using self-tanners during pregnancy is risky. It’s better to avoid them and opt for natural sunlight.

Spray tanning can also be harmful. Spray tanning during pregnancy is definitely contraindicated. The products used for this method contain various chemical substances that can be toxic. In non-pregnant women, they can make conception more difficult, and in pregnant women, they increase the risk of developmental disorders in the child. Inhaling the fumes during spray tanning is unavoidable during pregnancy.

Sunbathing during Pregnancy and Tanning Beds

Not too long ago, it was claimed that sunbathing in a tanning bed during pregnancy was a very bad idea and that ultraviolet radiation both harms the skin and is dangerous for the child. However, after many studies, it has been found that negative consequences are only possible if the pregnant woman uses the artificial sun recklessly.

According to British scientists, sunbathing during pregnancy under tanning bed lamps significantly increases the Vitamin D levels in the baby’s body. This theory was confirmed by a study where a group of pregnant women visited a tanning bed regularly in the final weeks before birth.

Sunbathing in a tanning bed during pregnancy is not prohibited, as long as it is done in moderation and with common sense. The lamp’s intensity should not be too high, and the tanning time should not exceed a few minutes.

However, sunbathing during the first trimester is prohibited, as UV rays can reduce folic acid absorption. Folic acid is particularly important in early pregnancy, as it plays a crucial role in the development of the baby’s organs and nervous system.

Additionally, mothers who suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy should avoid tanning beds. The heat generated by the lamps can increase blood pressure, which could lead to placental abruption and a lack of oxygen supply to the baby.