Sun in pregnancy: how to tan safely when pregnant

If you are pregnant and are about to leave for the holidays, it is possible that you have some doubts about the behavior you should have for sunbathing during pregnancy. You probably have many questions in your head: Is it possible to tan while pregnant? Does the sun on the stomach hurt the baby? How should I protect myself to make sure I have no problems? How to manage the sun during pregnancy in the first trimester? And in the second and third trimesters? What protection should i use?

Can i get a tan when i'm pregnant?

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At this special time in every woman's life, the skin becomes particularly sensitive. The hormonal change leads to an increase in the production of melanin, which as we know is responsible for the darker pigmentation of the skin exposed to the sun. So is it possible to sunbathe during pregnancy? The answer is yes, with a few more tricks and attention. The increase in melanin could facilitate the formation of dark spots on the face or the rest of the body after exposure to the sun, a phenomenon called chloasma, so the first general advice that applies to everyone is to protect yourself well with sun creams. with a protection factor of 50, and do not sunbathe in the central hours, the hottest hours. It is best to go to the beach early and sunbathe until 11am, and then get back to tan from 4pm onwards. However, it is important to expose yourself to a not too aggressive sun for at least 15 minutes a day: the sun helps synthesize vitamin D, which the body particularly needs when you are pregnant, because it supports the healthy development of the fetus.

To find out more about what is possible and not possible to do during pregnancy, watch this video: you will discover many useful things to better enjoy your nine months of expectation!

Sun in pregnancy in the first trimester: tips for safe tanning

Especially in the first trimester, it is important to sunbathe very carefully, to avoid sunstroke, dehydration and fatigue that could compromise fetal development. The sun during pregnancy does not hurt the baby, but the first rule is not to expose yourself to the sun during the hottest hours. Then you need to hydrate a lot, drinking plenty of water and choosing foods rich in vitamins and minerals (vitamins C and D are your best allies). It is also important to moisturize your skin: put on a sunscreen with SPF 50 at least 30 minutes before sunbathing. Take many breaks during exposure, do not stay in the sun too long, alternate with frequent hours of shade. And in the after-sun treatment, it moisturizes the skin well both with products and with nutrition. The afternoon naps are very important, as well as welcome: you will give the body time to rest and regenerate, to avoid unnecessary fatigue. It is a rule that always applies to you who are pregnant, to have a peaceful pregnancy with a few tips.

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The sun on the stomach: does it hurt the baby?

One of the biggest fears of pregnant women is that they will hurt their baby if they sunbathe on their stomach. The amniotic fluid also serves to keep the internal temperature in which the fetus lives and grows constant. Sunbathing during pregnancy right on the stomach does not in itself change the temperature of the amniotic fluid, or of the inside of the organism, but it is better to avoid direct sun on the stomach especially to avoid overheating of the body. Do not worry therefore, the sun on the stomach does not hurt the baby, but it is better to cover the belly while sunbathing, to avoid getting too hot. You can opt for a one-piece swimsuit instead of a bikini, or if you choose the two-piece you can cover your belly with a light, damp cloth while sunbathing. Alternating between a little sun and hours of shade will make you completely safe.

Sun in pregnancy in the second trimester: our advice

If you are in the second trimester and you go on vacation during that period, you can safely sunbathe, obviously in moderation. To avoid chloasma, the so-called pregnancy mask that creates spots on the skin due to melanin, you must always rely on strong and extensive sun protection. These spots are very difficult to get rid of, and in the second trimester a thin dark line begins to form at the "height of the abdomen", which can darken more, and remain after delivery if you sunbathe incorrectly. Therefore, the advice not to take direct sun is valid, especially in the hottest hours, to cover the belly with a one-piece swimsuit or a cloth, if you are wearing a bikini, and always and in any case to drink a lot and always hydrate yourself. To create more shade on the body and avoid sunstroke, wear a wide-brimmed hat: it will help create a shadow area and filter the sun.

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The third and final trimester: take walks on the water!

The third trimester is the quietest when it comes to sunbathing, but it requires a few different tricks.The circulatory system of the legs may start to give problems: swollen or weighted legs, which you can relieve by taking walks in the water. The belly is safer, so you can afford a few more baths, while avoiding going from the sun to cold water in one go. The rule of common sense and prudence always applies. And now that you have tanned safely, you can even try to keep your tan with our tips!