When it is summer time and you’re pregnant you will definitely ask if it’s fine to go to the beach. Well just because you’re waiting for a baby doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy going to the beach! But you should know that while combining sand, sun and pregnancy, there are some important precautions you need to take!
The main problem of the beach for a pregnant woman is the sun. In fact, during pregnancy dark spots called “mask of pregnancy” may appear on your face, especially on your forehead and cheeks as a result of increased pigmentation. So the sun may aggravate this problem and may also cause hives and heat rash. This is why to be totally safe, you should do the following:
Go to the beach earlier in the summer when it is less hot, and avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Drink about 250 ml. of water every hour you are in the sun, because a pregnant woman is more at risk for dehydration knowing that the fluid in her body goes to her baby too. Moreover, high temperatures make you lose more water!
Always wear a hat to protect your face from the sun, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, and reapply it throughout the day. It is also important to stay in the shade as much as possible. Your skin is extra sensitive, and the sun increases your chances of these dark spots showing up on your face.
Remember that hormones and extra blood flow make moms-to-be feel hotter, so if you feel dizzy, nauseous or extremely fatigued, you should immediately go to an air conditioned area and drink water, because these may be signs of dehydration or overheating.
A couple of hours at the beach in the morning or a walk on the sand in the evening won’t cause you any bad, but in the contrary will make you feel happy. Just follow our tips and enjoy the beach atmosphere safely!