Is sunbathing during pregnancy safe?

Now that nicer weather is coming our way again, lots of pregnant women are wondering whether they can safely sunbathe on the beach, or in a tanning salon.

Is spending time in the sun dangerous?

Warnings about UV rays, and stories about melanoma are everywhere these days. The current climate of sun phobia makes us feel bad when we go out in the sun without a sun protection factor, or at the hottest hours. Of course, too much exposure to sunlight is dangerous. But not getting enough is dangerous as well. One recent study concluded that the cancer risk of people with very little exposure to sunlight goes up by 70 percent. That is, of course, connected to the fact that we need sunlight to adequately form vitamin D a vitamin which, incidentally, is very important during pregnancy as well.

How about sunbathing?

There are risks associated with spending time in the sun, but also many benefits. Besides helping you make vitamin D, spending time in the sun also encourages a good mood (very important for people prone to depression). If you're at the beach, you probably have a good walk around and you may swim in the sea. Prenatal exercise is something that's obviously very good for you. Sunbathing intentionally, in order to tan as much as possible, brings risks with it for everyone, regardless of pregnancy. There may be a slight overheating concern for a fetus as well if you spend many hours in the sun. Other than that, enjoy your summer!

Sunbeds?

A sunbed doesn't give you the same benefits as spending in the sun, and the UV rays may be much stronger than your typical sun exposure. Sunbeds are never safe, but there is no evidence that they pose any particular risk to an unborn baby in utero. Still, we advise you to stay away from sunbeds during pregnancy.