Pregnant women sunbathing affect the fetus or not?

Babies and young children often recommend sunbathing for the body to produce vitamin D, which helps to strengthen bones. What about pregnant women sunbathing? Is this necessary and safe for the fetus? aFamilyToday Health will help you find the answer.

Do you like to have tanned skin even during pregnancy because it will look stronger? To get tanned skin, there are many ways you can go from direct sun exposure, sunbeds or lotions to brown skin. However, what is the method of tanned skin but safe for the fetus? Do not skip the following article.

Is sunbathing safe during pregnancy?

Currently, there is no evidence that direct sunbathing outdoors or on tanning bed will harm the fetus directly. If you sunbathe outdoors or indoors, the UV rays will affect your skin equally, although the rays when using a sunbed are more concentrated.

The UV rays from the sun are the main cause of skin cancer. This is the most dangerous cause of complications like aging or wrinkles .

People who started using sunbeds before the age of 35 had a 75% chance of getting skin cancer . When pregnant, sunbathing causes damage to DNA, causing the skin to have a protective response to radiation. This is one of the reasons why your skin becomes darker.

Risks can occur to pregnant women sunbathing

One of the dangers of UV rays that occur during pregnancy is that UV rays can destroy folic acid in the mother's body. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy because it helps your baby develop a healthy nervous system.

The fetus is often negatively affected by UV rays during the first and second trimester. This is the time it takes for the baby's brain to develop perfectly.

The period with a high risk of impact on the fetus is 2 - 7 weeks after conception. The period 8 - 15 weeks after conception is considered the period at highest risk.

UV rays can harm an unborn baby's health. An Australian study found that children whose mothers were heavily exposed to UV rays during the first trimester had a high rate of multiple sclerosis .

Some things to consider about pregnant women sunbathing

You should be aware that during pregnancy, the skin is often more sensitive to sunlight, possibly due to changes in hormone levels in the body. This is the reason why you are more likely to get sunburned or tanned if you forget to use sunscreen.

Some women experience melasma during pregnancy. Sun exposure makes melasma worse. Therefore, any type of sunbathing is also a factor that makes skin pigmentation worse.

Using sunscreen is safe for the fetus?

Sunscreens are generally safe during pregnancy. The chemicals in these products are usually not absorbed through the first layer of the skin.

DHA is a chemical used in sunscreens that pigments brown on the skin. This DHA stays on the first layer of skin and is not absorbed by the baby. However, to ensure safety, you need to consult your doctor about suitable products before using.

While sun bath lotions may be safe during pregnancy, you should avoid sprays. The chemicals used in the spray product can reach the fetus if inhaled.

Pregnant women cannot avoid exposure to radiation. You are usually exposed to a small amount during an ultrasound. Therefore, you need basic knowledge to understand their hazards and limit UV exposure.

If you prefer to have a tanned skin color during pregnancy, it is best to use a safe sunbathing lotion during pregnancy. Sunbathing beds are never a good choice whether you are pregnant or not. Instead, the safest option is not to think about tanned your skin, but let it have a natural color.