How long can I sit in the sun while pregnant?

MANY people enjoy soaking up the sun, but if you're pregnant, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Pregnancy brings about changes in your body that can make sunbathing riskier if precautions aren't taken.

Is sunbathing when pregnant safe?

The NHS doesn’t advise pregnant women not to sunbathe and there are no proven risks to an unborn baby from sunbathing.

But it is important to not get sunburned, dehydrated or overheat - so extra precautions may need to be implemented in a heatwave.

Try not to sit directly in the hot sun for hours, and it is best to avoid the hottest part of the day and drink lots of water.

Sunbeds should be avoided

The NHS advises against using sunbeds during pregnancy, as your skin becomes more sensitive, increasing the likelihood of burning.

The NHS website says: “If you use a sunbed when you're pregnant, this means your skin may be more likely to burn.

“Getting a tan using a sunbed is not safer than tanning in the sun.

“In some cases, sunbed use can be more harmful.

“For example, many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday Mediterranean sun.”

It has also been reported there could be a link between increased UV rays and a folic acid deficiency.

Is my skin more sensitive when pregnant?

The short answer is yes.

When you are pregnant your skin is more sensitive and more likely to change colour.

This is due to higher amounts of the hormone which makes your skin go darker in the sun, known as the melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

It can cause dark patches on the face, or a line appearing down the middle of your belly.

Sunbathing can make both of these more noticeable.

What factor sunscreen should I wear when pregnant?

If you are going to be in the sun, the NHS recommends to use a high-factor sunscreen due to your skin being more sensitive.

Their website says: “If you sunbathe while pregnant, you may find you burn more easily.

“Protect your skin with a high-factor sunscreen and don't stay in the sun for a long time.”

Fake tans are not thought to pose a risk to an unborn baby, but avoid spray tans as you inhale chemicals which could affect your baby.

How long can I sit in the sun while pregnant?

Despite it not being recommended to sit in direct sunlight for an extended amount of time while pregnant, you are still able to enjoy the nice weather.

A certain amount of time has not been said by the NHS but you must always wear strong sun protection and take some time to move into the shade.