Women have always been told that the sun one of the things to avoid in pregnancy. While it is important for all to be safe in the sun, some studies have also shown the benefits of a healthy exposure to sunlight.
Your skin may become more sensitive during pregnancy, making it important to both hydrate it and protect it. Sunlight and outdoor activities are not harmful for a woman during pregnancy, and can even be very beneficial for your unborn baby. Make sure you are safe in the sun this summer and you know how to protect your skin in pregnancy.
Be aware that exposure to the sun and heat in summer can also cause overheating. Pregnancy increases your body temperature and overheating can make you feel nauseous or dizzy.
Pigmentation
It is common that skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy and many women experience changes in pigmentation. The changing hormone levels in pregnancy can cause irregular pigmentation patches on the skin, called Chloasma. These pigmentation changes often appear on your face and neck, and are more common in women with dark hair or skin.
Avoid high exposure to sunlight as this will darken the pigmentation changes, and use sun creams daily if you see patches appearing on your skin. In most cases these patches will fade within three months after giving birth.
Other pigmentation changes caused by hormones are Linea Nigra, a dark line on your abdomen and darker nipples, freckles and moles.
Good sunlight
The main benefit of exposure to sunlight is the increased vitamin D levels, which in turn strengthens the bone development. A study done by the University of Bristol in 2009 shows that the UVB exposure and higher levels of vitamin D thickens the bones, but could also cause be linked to increase height. Good and safe exposure to sunlight during pregnancy could give you taller children!
It is not necessary to sunbathe intensely to increase the vitamin D levels, as you can get the right benefits by simply making sure you are spending time outdoors.
It is the UVB rays that increase the levels of vitamin D, while the harmful UV rays are the main cause of malignant melanoma, skin cancer. Using a sunbed to get a tan in a sunbed will not protect you in the sun and neither will it increase the vitamin D levels in your body. Some sunbeds may also have higher levels of UV rays than advisable.
Fake tans have no effects on the vitamin D levels. Because your skin in pregnancy is more sensitive, make sure to test the product on a small patch before applying it on a larger area.
Remember that sun, wind, shade and even clouds do not stop the UV rays.
Pregnancy and sun
• Expose yourself slowly to the sun. Go easy and use plenty of protection.
• If you notice darker patches of skin pigmentation, start using a sun cream daily and avoid the sun.
• Use a sunhat and other sun protection.
• Use a body lotion regularly to help your skin stay healthy.
• Remember that heat and sun are tiring; mind yourself when it is sunny.
• Avoid overheating yourself.
Do you have any great tips to share?