Having a baby is a special time for expectant mothers. So, it’s understandable if you want to show off your bump on a trip to the beach. However, some innocent time in the sun can pose risks for you and your little one. But how? It goes beyond tan lines and burnt skin. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dehydration and increase your core temperature, harming your and your baby’s health.
The bottom line is that pregnancy requires more care and precautions regarding sun exposure. However, don’t worry—you can take several steps to safely enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends. Keep reading to discover the dangers of sunburn while pregnant and how to avoid it.
How Does A Sunburn Affect Pregnancy?
While sunburns are a regular issue that people resolve with a smear of aloe gel, pregnant women face more serious consequences beyond funny-looking tan lines. They can have some serious consequences. According to research, pregnant women need to be more careful when spending time in the sun.
Labor Complications from Sunburn
Dr. Munira Dudhbhai, MD, founder of Lewisville Women’s Care, advises, “Remember even as little as ten minutes in the sun can lead to dehydration for pregnant women. Dehydration causes frequent urination, which in turn results in loss of fluids in the uterus. The uterus reacts with contractions when there is a loss of water. Hence, It increases the risk of fetal loss or preterm labor.”
Additionally, dehydration heightens the risk of dizziness and fainting. A pregnant woman can experience dangerous falls that can cause bodily injuries or complications for the fetus. Excessive exposure to heat can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to extreme exhaustion or a stroke.
Sunburns and Skin Cancer
Regarding skin, increasing estrogen levels causes heightened skin sensitivity in expecting mothers. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to sunburns and irritation. Not to mention, pregnancy stretches your skin thin, so unprotected sun exposure can damage it and worsen stretch marks. However, the most pressing concern is skin cancer. Melanoma is the most common skin cancer, and it develops during a woman’s childbearing years.
Sunburns Harm Fetal Health
On the surface, sunburns look relatively harmless except for their discomfort. However, sun exposure risks an unborn baby’s health and development. According to Web MD, research shows that sun exposure decreases the amount of folate as UV light degrades folic acid. Low folate levels can harm fetal development, especially in the early stages. It can lead to fetal issues like spina bifida and anencephaly.
Additionally, dehydration and increased core body temperatures can lead to complications like miscarriage or early labor. Hence, sun exposure has serious consequences for a fetus’s health.
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How Can I Stay Safe In The Sun While Pregnant?
Sometimes, it’s just hard to avoid the sun while pregnant. While staying indoors at a comfortable temperature is ideal, that might not always be possible. However, you can take several steps to minimize the risks associated with sun exposure.
Use Sunscreen:
Using the proper amount of water-resistant and broad-spectrum sunscreen can save you from a sunburn. It’s the most essential step to avoid developing skin cancer.
However, it’s important to avoid chemical sunscreens and use mineral sunscreens. Research indicates that sunscreen chemicals can be endocrine disruptors that affect fetal development. Your most suitable options are mineral sunscreens that rest on the skin’s surface.
Increase Hydration
Be mindful that you are sipping enough water to remain hydrated. Keep a bottle with you at all times, and continue drinking to avoid complications. The body requires more water during pregnancy to function properly.
The baby grows and lives in the amniotic sac, which requires proper fluid levels to support the fetus’s growth. Hence, it is important to avoid dehydration and drink enough water.
Avoid Sunny Hours
It’s advisable to stay indoors between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. as that’s when you can be exposed to direct sunlight. Plan your outings around hours when the sun isn’t peaking. There are hours during the day when the UV rays are strongest, so it’s best to avoid them.
Stay Cool
Maintaining a comfortable body temperature is a priority. Use outdoor fans and umbrellas to stay in the shade, prioritize adequate airflow, and make cool spaces readily available.
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Steps to Treat Sunburns While Pregnant
One of the most uncomfortable consequences of too much sun exposure is sunburn. It can be especially painful for pregnant women, as their skin can be sensitized easily. There are several ways to treat sunburn.
Cool Topical Compresses
Immediate application of natural cooling substances like Aloe or Centella gels can reduce discomfort.
Hydration
Too much sun exposure can result in dehydration, so drinking enough fluids and water can help hydrate.
Moisturize
Use fragrance-free moisturizers suitable for pregnancy to soothe and heal the sunburnt area.
Pain Killers
If considering painkillers for the discomfort of a sunburn, consult your healthcare provider, as not all painkillers are suited for pregnant women.
To Summarize
Expecting a baby can turn once ordinary activities into potential risks; it can be overwhelming! However, on the bright side, developing sun care habits during pregnancy can benefit your and your baby’s health in the long run. After all, sun protection doesn’t end with pregnancy. These habits prevent complications like irritated skin, aging, skin cancer, and more.
