Is it possible for pregnant women to sunbathe in the sun with an open belly: rules and contraindications

Is it possible for pregnant women to sunbathe?

To understand whether it is possible to sunbathe during pregnancy, it is necessary to study the benefits, harms, and contraindications of sunbathing during this delicate period.

Benefit

There are several factors that indicate the benefits of tanning during pregnancy:

Production of vitamin D. It is thanks to this substance that calcium is better absorbed. The latter, in turn, is necessary for the correct and timely formation of the child’s skeletal and nervous systems. We should also not forget that expectant mothers often experience damage to their teeth, hair and nails during pregnancy. Creating the necessary conditions for the production of vitamin D in combination with consuming foods containing calcium will minimize the risk of such changes.
Strengthening the vascular wall. One of the most common problems that a pregnant woman faces is varicose veins. Exposure to the sun will help prevent the development of the described disease.
Strengthening the immune system. High immunity reduces the likelihood of contracting acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and others. During pregnancy, it is especially important to prevent the occurrence of such problems, since their presence will negatively affect the child.
Improved skin appearance. And we're not talking about the chocolate shade. The fact is that thanks to regular exposure to the sun, pimples dry out and then disappear completely. The latter often occur in women during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body.

My friend Lisa got pregnant in February. For four whole months she suffered from constant rashes. Pimples prevented Lisa from wearing her usual off-shoulder clothes, and therefore her mood was rarely good. The friend realized that the problem was temporary, but her passion for beautiful outfits prevented her from feeling comfortable. However, with the onset of summer, everything changed. Lisa consulted with a doctor and he allowed her to sunbathe before lunch and after five in the evening, when the sun is not so active. After just a month, the rashes were replaced by smooth skin. What delight there was in Lisa’s eyes when she put on her favorite open-shoulder sweater for the first time in a long time!

Harm

If you ignore contraindications and rules for exposure to the sun during pregnancy, the following unpleasant consequences are possible:

Folic acid deficiency. High air temperatures contribute to the destruction of this substance. Folic acid is necessary for the normal development of the child’s nervous system. It is especially important to have a sufficient amount of this substance in a woman’s body in the first trimester. It is during this period that the formation of the fetal neural tube occurs. The consequences of deficiency can be pathologies of the spinal cord and brain.
An increase in body temperature, and therefore in the internal organs of a pregnant woman. Overheating of a child can lead to further disruptions in the functioning of his nervous system and even the brain.
Dark spots. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the skin becomes more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Because of this, the risk of pigmentation increases with prolonged exposure to the sun. This is especially true for dark spots on the face, which often accompany a woman during pregnancy.

Contraindications

It is strictly not recommended to sunbathe during pregnancy if you have the following contraindications:

hypertension,
cardiac ischemia,
diabetes,
mastopathy,
chronic skin diseases in the relapse stage (psoriasis, eczema, etc.),
malfunction of the thyroid gland,
blood diseases.

Contraindications to tanning and dangers to the body and fetus of a pregnant woman

Most experts say that tanning is contraindicated for pregnant women. They explain it this way:

dry hot air has a detrimental effect on well-being;
there is a possibility of becoming a victim of sunstroke;
while on the beach, you can injure your stomach, which will lead to infection;
in case of a huge crowd of people, it is possible to injure the stomach (for example, a flying ball);
the sun's rays pose a danger to a pregnant woman if she has many moles on her body

Although there are benefits to sunbathing, there is still some danger for both the baby and his mother:

Long-term exposure to sunlight may cause age spots to appear on a pregnant woman's body. They mainly appear on the face, back, hands, ears, and neck area. But not all pregnant women undergo pigmentation, but only those who have a predisposition. Experts advise such women to spend as little time in the sun as possible.

You might be interested in reading this article: Shower “before” and “after” solarium

Pregnant women are not recommended to overheat their body, as this is very dangerous for the unborn child. Increased mother's body temperature will negatively affect the development of the baby's nervous system.
You can get sunburn. This mainly applies to women with fair skin.
Prolonged tanning during pregnancy can lead to dehydration.

Before visiting the beach, you should consult a doctor and follow all safety measures before sunbathing and on the beach itself.

Rules for tanning during pregnancy

When sunbathing while in a position, strictly follow the following rules:

Sunbathe before 11 am and/or after 4 pm. The fact is that it is during these periods that the sun's rays are minimally active, which means their effect on the skin and the body as a whole is less aggressive. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can sunbathe, but only in the shade (under an umbrella or canopy, for example).
Start sunbathing from 20 minutes a day. After a week, you can increase your time in the sun by another third of an hour. Maximum - 50 minutes, provided that the stomach, arms, legs and back are open. If clothing covers all of the above areas, you can stay in the open sun for up to an hour and a half.
Be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. In addition, the swimsuit and other clothing should be made of natural material. All this is true even for the earliest stages of pregnancy.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat when sunbathing during pregnancy
Carry a water bottle with you while sunbathing. Try to drink as often as possible to prevent dehydration.
Do not sunbathe while hungry or after eating heavily. In both cases, being in the sun can make you feel sick, even fainting.
While sunbathing, eat fruits and berries. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the body.

While sunbathing, snack on fruits and berries to minimize UV damage
Go to the beach accompanied by loved ones. This is especially true for early pregnancy, when the body undergoes hormonal changes. At this time, a woman may feel nausea, dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms.
Do not sunbathe immediately after swimming. Drops of water serve as a kind of lenses for ultraviolet rays, which increases the likelihood of getting a burn.
Avoid sunbathing with your belly exposed during the third trimester. This way you risk overheating the baby and even causing his premature birth.
Use sunscreens with a high SPF factor (from 40).
After sunbathing, moisturize your skin with lotion or cream. It is advisable that the product used contains vitamin E.
Sunbathe on a sun lounger. The sand gets very hot, which means that standing on it while sunbathing can negatively affect the course of pregnancy.
Don't fall asleep while tanning. This way you lose control, which means you risk getting burned and/or overheated.
Avoid sunbathing when you feel unwell.
Do not sunbathe if the temperature outside is above 25°C in the shade. This way you will avoid heatstroke, which can cause miscarriage.

Spending time in the solarium

Many women are accustomed to getting a chocolate skin color using a solarium. Doctors are convinced that this pleasure should be denied while carrying a child. While in a solarium, the expectant mother cannot control the dose of ultraviolet radiation received, since in such a situation it is impossible to simply cover her stomach with a cloth or step into the shade.

In some cases, as prescribed by a doctor, special physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed, which are carried out only when the pregnant woman’s body needs additional ultraviolet rays. They are usually recommended for those mothers who live in areas with little sun.

Sunscreen

Every time a pregnant woman goes to sunbathe, she should use sunscreen. Depending on their composition, they can absorb ultraviolet rays or reflect them.

Absorbing filters in creams are absorbed into the skin and convert the sun's rays into thermal radiation. This often leads to increased sweating, which is a normal reaction of the body. Creams with this type of filter are the most effective and better protect the skin. Also a big plus is the fact that these products last better and are more difficult to wash off while swimming. That is why they do not need to be reapplied to the skin every time. However, such creams have a big disadvantage; they cause allergic reactions more often than others.
Screening agents in tanning products are less effective. Their action is to create a special film on the surface of the skin, which mechanically reflects ultraviolet rays. Such creams should contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. A significant drawback is the fact that shielding agents are easily removed with water, by wiping with a towel, etc.

Video about shielding and blocking sunscreens, the opinion of a cosmetologist

https://youtube.com/watch?v=IZJrtNzNZNA

Classification of human phototypes

To figure out how long you can stay in the sun and what sunscreen you need to use, you need to decide on your phototype.

The first type, Celtic. Such people have blue eyes and red or very blond hair. The skin is white, with freckles. Sunbathing is not recommended, or maximum sun protection should be used.
The second type, fair-skinned European. Eyes blue, gray, green. Hair ranges from blond to brown. The skin is light. The risk of getting burned is very high. It is recommended to use strong protection in the first days, and gradually reduce it after tanning.
The third type, dark-skinned European. The eyes are gray or light brown, the hair is dark brown, brown. Such people have slightly dark skin, they tan easily and average protection from ultraviolet rays is needed only in the first days, then it is enough to use the weakest creams.
The fourth type, Mediterranean. The eyes and hair of such people are dark, and their skin is dark or olive in color. Typically, residents of Asia, India, and the Caucasus belong to this phototype. The tan goes on very quickly and evenly; sunscreen is needed more to prevent skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles.
Fifth type, Middle Eastern. The eyes are brown, the skin is very dark. This phototype is typical for mulattoes and creoles. These people, even without sunscreen, are adapted to exposure to sunlight. It is possible to use creams with minimal protection.
The sixth type, African. The eyes and hair are black, the skin is very dark. People with this phototype are black and African. They do not need to use sunscreen, just apply moisturizers and oils.

It is very important to know your phototype in order to choose the right sunscreen

Which cream to choose

Once you have decided on your phototype, you can begin choosing a sunscreen. During pregnancy, you need to choose creams that protect against both types of ultraviolet rays - UVB and UVA. UVB - promotes tanning and can cause burns. UVA is more dangerous, they have less effect on melanin production, but they penetrate deeper layers of the skin, cause damage to collagen fibers, dry and age the skin. When choosing a cream, you need to focus on the SPF level, which indicates the degree of protection against UVB rays, and is indicated on the packaging with the product.

SPF 2–5 - low degree of protection, blocks about 65% of ultraviolet rays. Suitable for people of the fourth and fifth phototypes, or for the third, after the initial tan has already been obtained.
SPF 6–11 - medium level of protection, blocks 85% of rays. Suitable for those who have already tanned and want to avoid possible burns. For people with phototypes three and four, it can be used in the first days of sun exposure.
SPF 12–19 - high degree of protection, absorbs 95% of sunlight. Such creams are suitable for people of the first and second phototypes. In some cases, in the first days of exposure to the sun, such means can also be used for the third phototype.
SPF 20–50 - a very high degree of protection, blocks up to 99% of ultraviolet rays. These creams are optimal for those who do not want to tan and plan to protect themselves from the sun as much as possible. It is also recommended that people with the first phototype use products with a very high degree of protection throughout their vacation.
SPF 50+ - maximum degree of protection. It should be used if there are any contraindications to exposure to sunlight. For example, the cream can be applied if peelings, plastic surgery have been performed, or if you have previously suffered a burn. It is almost impossible to tan with these creams if you use them correctly.

During pregnancy, women can buy baby sunscreens for themselves. They, like adults, contain all the necessary substances to protect against two types of rays, but at the same time they do not contain fragrances, alcohol, artificial colors or flavors. The best manufacturers of such creams are Bubchen, Hipp, Lierac, Bioderma, LaRoche-Posay.

Video about how to choose the right sunscreen in Elena Malysheva’s program “Live Healthy”

How to use the cream

For sunscreen to truly protect your skin, it must be used correctly. First, apply a drop to your hand and check your reaction. If the product suits you, apply it all over your body and face half an hour before going out into the sun. To work properly, it must be completely absorbed by your skin. Even if the label states that the cream is waterproof, it is better to apply it after each bath to avoid possible burns. It is also important to periodically reapply the product and reapply it every two hours. You don't need to take too much cream, the leftovers will only stain your clothes and will not provide additional protection.

Video on how to properly use sunscreen

Benefits of sunbathing

Let's consider what benefits a pregnant woman can gain from sunbathing:

The sun lifts your mood, relieves depression and blues. And the expectant mother simply must be in an excellent fighting spirit - after all, the peace of mind of her unborn child depends on this. As is known and has already been proven by scientists, the fetus in the stomach senses the slightest fluctuations in the mother’s mood and well-being.
The expectant mother and child receive a portion of vitamin D, which is formed due to the sun's rays. This vitamin is a necessary condition for the proper development of the skeletal system of the unborn child. After all, the developing fetus takes calcium directly from the mother’s body. Therefore, she must constantly replenish its reserves so as not to get osteoporosis or dental problems.
Often, with increasing weight, many pregnant women experience problems with veins. They expand and spider veins appear. And the sun strengthens the venous system of the legs, preventing the expansion of veins.
Sunbathing strengthens the immune system of a pregnant woman. This is very important, since it is generally undesirable for pregnant women to get sick from anything. Any negative processes and infections immediately affect the child’s health.
Pregnant women often gain excess weight, and many women are concerned about this problem. So, by sunbathing during pregnancy, you speed up the body's metabolism, which will help you avoid gaining extra pounds.
There is some evidence that sunbathing can relieve non-infectious skin diseases. The sun can also dry out pimples and minimize the effects of various allergic rashes.
Tanning has a great effect on hemoglobin levels, increasing it. In addition, its positive effect extends to the endocrine system, activating metabolic processes in the body.
For residents of the northern regions, staying in the sun on summer days is simply a necessity.

On video: is it possible for pregnant women to sunbathe in the sun:

A trip to the sea

Often pregnant women in the first and third trimester are recommended to go to the sea. Overall this is good advice. But you need to be careful, especially in the early stages. You should limit your visits to the beach in time: no more than 2 hours including swimming, and you also need to choose a time that is not the hottest and use cream.

Sea air and salt water contain a large amount of substances necessary for the female body. Swimming in the sea brings enormous benefits, because on the one hand it relaxes, and on the other hand, it tones the whole body, the waves massage the whole body, improve blood circulation, and with it general well-being, and prevent burns.

Before you go into the sea, you need to test the water. If it is cold, then it is better to refrain from swimming. Swimming alone is not recommended; it is better to do it under the supervision of other family members.

The only contraindication for a trip to the sea is complications during pregnancy or the threat of its termination. In this case, a long trip and climate change may not have the most favorable effect on your health.

So, it is possible for pregnant women to sunbathe, and in some cases it is necessary, both in the early and late stages. But only by following safety rules, not getting burns, using creams, and not torturing yourself with sunbathing.