With summer around the corner, it is time to get beach ready and get a little sun-kissed glow. 

But is it safe to tan during pregnancy?

Aside from skin cancer risks, pregnant women have a number of other risks to consider if they spend too much time in the sun. 

The rest of this article explains how to tan safely when pregnant and lists the safest ways to get a glow without harming your skin and your baby’s development. 

Tanning Risks 

Below is a list of 4 potential drawbacks of tanning while pregnant:

1: Sensitive Skin

When you are pregnant, the rapidly increased level of hormones in your body causes your skin to become more susceptible to burning and skin conditions [1].

The female sex hormones – mainly estrogen and progesterone – stimulate the melanocytes to produce more melanin pigments when the skin is exposed to sun or any other type of tanning. 

Consequently, a lot of women develop chloasma during pregnancy.

Chloasma (also known as melasma or “the mask of pregnancy”) is a common skin condition that is characterized by dark brownish patches often found on the cheeks [2].

So instead of a tan, you may end up with freckles, hives, a heat rash, or worsened chloasma.    

2: Preterm Contractions

Prolonged sun exposure can drain your body from fluids and cause dehydration.

With dehydration, your blood volume decreases, which in turn increases the concentration of oxytocin – a hormone that causes uterine contractions. 

So in other words, the lack of fluids in the body could lead to excessive stress and fever, which in turn may cause early labor (prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy) and/or birth defects. 

3: Folic Acid Deficiency

The UV rays of the sun can break down folic acid in your body – an essential vitamin that your baby needs to develop a healthy nervous system [3]. 

Women who are exposed to high levels of UV radiation during their first trimesters are more likely to deliver babies with neural tube defects (known as spina bifida) and multiple sclerosis.

The most dangerous period for the baby is during organogenesis (2 to 15 weeks after conception).

4: Cancer

Pregnancy affects every system in your body. 

Changes in hormone levels and immune system function can make you more vulnerable to infections and serious complications.

You can see now why the risk of developing skin cancer (known as melanoma) is on the rise when you are pregnant if you do not take precautions.

3 Ways To Bronze Safely During Pregnancy

So how can you bronze your skin during pregnancy? 

Here are some suggestions on how to protect yourself and your unborn baby from too much sun exposure.

1: Cover Your Baby Bump

Wearing a one-piece maternity bathing suit is ideal to protect your bump from sun rays. 

Too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause your pregnancy line (known as linea nigra) to darken, and your belly to sunburn. 

Overheating is associated with spinal malformations in the baby. 

So covering the belly prevents overheating of the body and heat strokes. 

Remember to protect your breasts too, as the heat could dilate the capillaries and the ducts through which the milk will pass, increasing the risk of congestion in this very delicate area.  

2: Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is very important while pregnant. 

Drink plenty of water to keep your body cool and prevent overheating. 

Another way to keep your body cool is to take a dip into the water. 

The water will provide immediate relief from the heat. 

During the last trimester of pregnancy, your legs swell and become heavier. 

Therefore, go for walks in the water to reduce swelling in your legs and feet and to refresh you and make you feel lighter.    

3: Choose The Right Sunscreen

Sunscreens are the best options to protect your skin from the sun. 

However, some sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a dangerous chemical that absorbs into the skin and ends up in the bloodstream.  

Oxybenzone can disrupt your body’s hormones, which can lead to developmental problems and low birth weights in newborn babies. 

Consequently, you should avoid any product that contains oxybenzone, and apply sunscreen lotions at least every two hours instead of sprays to make sure that you don’t miss a spot. 

Relax and Enjoy Summer Days

You don’t have to stay indoors when you are pregnant. On the contrary, sun exposure is beneficial because it makes your body produce Vitamin D, which is essential for strengthening your bones.

However, remember to avoid sunburn, dehydration, and fatigue. 

The most important thing is to relax and have extra care to protect your skin and your unborn baby. 

References:

[1]. Danielsson, Krissi. “Low Folic Acid Levels and Miscarriage Risk.” Very Well Family, 2020, https://www.verywellfamily.com/do-low-folic-acid-levels-cause-miscarriage-2371735.

[2]. Herndon, Jaime. “Melasma.” Healthline, 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/melasma#_noHeaderPrefixedContent.

[3]. Weiss, Robin. “How Does Skin Change During Pregnancy?” Very Well Family, 2020, https://www.verywellfamily.com/skin-changes-in-pregnancy-p2-2759974.