How long can I sit in the sun while pregnant? [is it safe for baby]
Summer has arrived, you are about to leave for your long-awaited holidays, you are pregnant and you ask yourself: how long can i sit in the sun while pregnant? With people constantly advising you on what to do and what not to do, you may feel conscious about every little thing. If you enjoy sitting in the sun and soaking the sunlight, you may wonder if you should continue doing that now that you are pregnant. Read on to find out more.
So, how long can i sit in the sun while pregnant?
Experts advise avoiding sitting in the sun for more than 20 minutes. You should avoid sitting in the sun for long periods while pregnant. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and other health complications. If you must be in the sun, drink plenty of fluids and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Again, during pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of how much sun exposure you’re getting. While a little bit of sun can be good for you, too much can be harmful. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women should limit their time in the sun and avoid tanning beds altogether.
If you do go out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. And if you can, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs. If you start to feel too hot or dizzy, head indoors or into the shade right away. By taking these precautions, you’ll help ensure that you and your baby enjoy a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Is sitting in the sun good for pregnancy?
When it comes to pregnancy, there are many questions and myths floating around about what is and isn’t good for the baby. One topic that often comes up is whether or not it’s safe to sit in the sun during pregnancy.
While there is some evidence that too much sun exposure can lead to birth defects, the overall consensus is that a moderate amount of sun is actually good for pregnancy. Sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for pregnant women.
Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, which is important for developing strong bones and teeth. In addition, research has shown that vitamin D may also help to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
So while it’s important to limit sun exposure during pregnancy, a little bit of sun can actually be good for you and your baby.
What are the benefits of sun exposure while pregnant?
While it is true that pregnancy can make a woman more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation, there are also several benefits to spending time in the sun while pregnant.
One of the most important benefits is that exposure to sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for fetal development.
Additionally, research has shown that pregnant women who get regular sun exposure are less likely to experience preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
As long as expectant mothers take proper precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure, spending time in the sun can be an important part of a healthy pregnancy.
Risks of sitting in the sun for long period of time when pregnant:
Sun exposure during pregnancy can lead to a number of potential risks for both the mother and the developing baby. These risks include:
Folic Acid Breakdown
According to some research, excessive sun exposure during pregnancy might lower a woman’s folate levels. Such such event could result in miscarriages or babies with neural tube abnormalities. It is advised to limit your sun exposure during this critical time since folic acid is essential, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy when UV rays may deplete the levels of the vitamin.
Dehydration
You may get dehydrated when basking in the sun if you don’t drink enough water. Even while it happens often whether or not you’re pregnant, the adverse effects can manifest right away. Pregnant women who are dehydrated may have an increase in heart rate and a reduction in the quantity of oxygen available to the fetus.
Melasma
This disorder, sometimes referred to as “pregnancy mask,” may cause skin discoloration. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause an excessive amount of melanin to be produced. Such a condition might increase sensitivity even further, causing your skin to become pale when exposed to the sun.
Skin Cancer
This is a significant worry for expectant mothers. According to a research, skin cancer may develop in pregnant women who are exposed to UV radiation for a lengthy period of time. This is because sunburns develop after taking a lengthy sunbath. Pregnant women are more likely to have sunburns because, as has previously been said, their skin is more sensitive.
What is the best time to get sunlight during pregnancy?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different women will have different preferences. Some women may find that they feel better when they get some sunlight first thing in the morning, while others may prefer to get their sunlight later in the day. Ultimately, it is up to the individual woman to figure out what works best for her.
If you don’t want to increase your skin cancer risk, don’t spend the whole day outdoors. Instead, spend 10 minutes a day with an exposed arm or leg in sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Sunbathing during the first trimester:
The first trimester of pregnancy is the most sensitive; you should take extra precautions to prevent exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn. Always stay hydrated, choose meals high in vitamins and minerals, use sunscreen often, and balance hours of sun exposure with hours spent in the shade. Take a nap in the middle of the day so that your body can recover and absorb the sun’s advantages.
- Sunbathing during the second trimester:
Pregnancy spots should get extra attention during the second trimester since they are quite challenging to get rid of after delivery. To minimize direct sun exposure and better protect your face and shoulders, it’s also suggested to stay out of the sun during the middle of the day and wear a hat with a wide brim. Pay alert to sudden variations in temperature and steer clear of them.
- Sunbathing during the third trimester:
The third trimester is the easiest; however you can start having some issues with your legs’ vascular systems. Your legs may enlarge or get heavier in the latter weeks of pregnancy; therefore, take walks in the water to relieve your discomfort, avoid spending too much time sitting or laying down, and always choose the early morning or late afternoon.
Can babies feel sunlight in the womb?
There is no direct evidence that babies can feel sunlight in the womb. However, some indirect evidence suggests that they may be able to sense light indirectly through the mother’s skin. For example, one study found that when pregnant women were exposed to bright light, their babies moved more in response than when the mothers were not exposed to bright light.
Can sitting in the sun can harm my unborn baby?
There isn’t enough evidence to say for sure whether or not sitting in the sun can harm your unborn baby. However, according to the sources, folic acid, an essential nutrient for your baby’s growth and development, is decreased when pregnant women are exposed to sunlight for longer periods of time. Spina bifida and other birth disorders are more likely to occur when folic acid is lacking.
FAQ:
Do you sunburn more easily when pregnant?
The elevated hormone levels racing through your body during pregnancy lead your skin to become more sensitive and burn more quickly. Your pigment-producing cells are working extra hard, making your skin more prone to discolouration when exposed to UV radiation.
Is it bad to get sunburnt while pregnant?
Sunburn during pregnancy is typically not a reason for concern since it merely penetrates the skin. Unfortunately, severe sunburns may have negative consequences for your baby.
Is morning sunlight good for pregnancy?
Yes, morning sunlight is good for pregnancy. It helps to improve the circulation and metabolism of the pregnant woman and her baby. It also provides some vitamin D, which is essential for bone growth.
Read more:
What sitting positions to avoid during pregnancy? [all you need]
Can you sit in a massage chair while pregnant? [is it REALLY safe?]
Is it ok to take a cold shower when pregnant? [is it really safe?]
