Is It Safe To Sunbathe While Pregnant?

If you have always wanted kids, becoming pregnant can be an immensely fulfilling experience. That being said, it also comes with a list of dos and don'ts from your doctor that may limit what you do for the next nine months.

Things you should never do during pregnancy include drinking alcohol, using hot tubs and saunas, ingesting caffeine, and even cleaning kitty litter without protection, explains Healthline. Some activities you can do include exercising, consuming folic acid (especially in your first trimester), and eating a balanced, healthy diet, according to Sanford Health.

However, there is one question that expecting mothers may still have: Is it safe to sunbathe while pregnant? Can you still go to the pool or the beach if you apply sunscreen without worrying about the safety of your child? Doctors say to try and relax while pregnant, which sunbathing can help you do, but does that mean it's healthy to lay in the sun?

The risks of sunbathing while pregnant are certainly there, but they are similar to what you would face if you weren't pregnant. Consistent, prolonged exposure to the sun — such as what occurs while sunbathing — can lead to a higher risk of skin cancer, increased dehydration, and changes to the appearance of your skin, explains Verywell Family.

However, you should only be worried about these risks if you are consistently sunbathing and not using sun protection. Taking a trip to the beach a few times while pregnant will not harm the baby, especially if you keep cool by going for a swim, staying in the shade, and applying the proper amount of sunscreen, explains WebMD.

In fact, there may be some benefits to exposing yourself to sunshine while pregnant. Sunlight can help break down folic acid, which can prevent birth defects, according to BabyMed. Also, the benefits of vitamin D have been well-researched. If you're still worried, you can restrict your exposure to the sun and only sunbathe for short periods of time.