You’re more susceptible to sunburns throughout those nine months and even into postpartum, thanks to hormonal changes.
Other things contribute to all the skin changes and the increased risk of sunburn too.
“A healthy mom equals a healthy baby!”
That said, don’t be alarmed that if you get a sunburn, your fetus will, too.
“A fetus cannot get sunburned while in utero,” says Dr. Farber.
Exposure to UV light stimulates it and makes it worse.
Consult with a board-certified dermatologist to work on a treatment plan.
Overheating and dehydration:Pregnancy makes women much more vulnerable to the heat, according to Dr. Farber.
Heat exhaustion and heat strokes are real concerns.
Be aware of something called a vasovagal episode.
How to avoid a sunburn during pregnancy
There are many easy ways to prevent a pesky burn.
The obvious answer to avoiding sun damage is by wearing sunscreen.
You may be wondering what’s thesafest punch in for expectant ladies: mineral or chemical?
And what number SPF 30, 50, or higher?
Look for mineral sunscreens with the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
The main reason to stick to mineral-based sunscreens?
The chemicals in others.
“Endocrine disruptors can alter your endocrine or hormone system and cause negative changes.”
She notes chemical sunscreens as one of the formulas you don’t want to expose a developing fetus to.
Avoid the ingredients homosalate, oxybenzone or avobenzone.
Timing matters, too.
Those typical treatments are considered pregnancy-safe.
Cortisone may be an option if your sunburn is bad, but definitely talk with your provider first.
“The most important thing is to bring down the inflammation,” Dr. Henry adds.
But remember, NSAIDS (ibuprofen) are not recommended in pregnancy.
will thank you later.
Fernandes LB, Amaral WN.
Clinical study of skin changes in low and high risk pregnant women.
2015 Nov-Dec;90(6):822-6. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20153570.
PMID: 26734862; PMCID: PMC4689069.
Cleveland Clinic,Melasma, March 2024.
