Can pregnant women swim and sunbathe? Rest rules for expectant mothers

“My husband and I want to go on vacation to the sea, but I’m worried. The fact is that I am pregnant, and I read that women in my position are not recommended to swim and sunbathe. Is it so? And where should I relax this summer? Tamara, 28 years old

There is still a stereotype that says that expectant mothers should take care of themselves and avoid sunbathing and swimming. But it should be remembered that pregnancy is not a disease, and women during this period should do everything that will be useful for themselves and for the baby.

The first rule is moderation!

Nature is a faithful assistant for those who care about their health. The most important thing is to remember that any medicine is useful only when the dosage is observed. So, one tablet will be your assistant, but if you take the entire package at once, the consequences can be unpredictable.

The same can be said about relaxing in the summer sun and swimming. Even if you are not pregnant, you should not spend the whole day under the scorching rays. And expectant mothers should treat their rest regime with even greater attention.

However, there is nothing complicated about it. And by following the rules mentioned in this article, you can have a pleasant and productive holiday.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is pregnancy, which occurs with complications. Experts also talk about a number of diseases, the presence of which is prohibited from sunbathing:

• phlebeurysm;
• hyper- and hypotension;
• disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• mastopathy;
• endocrine diseases;
• diabetes;
• the presence of papillomas and other skin formations;
• presence of a viral infection;
• various types of skin inflammatory processes.

Under no circumstances should you visit a solarium if there is a risk of miscarriage.

Tanning is not the enemy of pregnant women

Sunbathing is an excellent way to strengthen the body. Heliotherapy (that is, sun treatment) is the key to a good mood, which is important for the expectant mother and her baby.

But the sun's rays also have other benefits. For example, they help speed up metabolism, increase immunity, and improve the functioning of internal organs and glands.

Sunbathing also increases the production of vitamin D3. It is he who is responsible for the body’s absorption of calcium, which is necessary for pregnant women. Some of the most common problems that expectant mothers face are hair loss, splitting nails and, of course, dental problems.

It is for this reason that the doctor prescribes calcium-containing medications for pregnant women, and sunbathing will be an excellent help in taking them. And that’s not all: vitamin D3 is the key to ensuring that the child does not develop rickets, and that the bones of his skeleton are formed properly. Therefore, go out into the sun!

What is the harm?

While talking about the benefits of solarium, we cannot ignore its negative aspects, since ultraviolet rays are not as safe as many would like. The disadvantages of artificial tanning include:

1. Partial destruction of the structure of the upper layers of the skin, which leads to dehydration and aging of cells.
2. Hardening of the skin and clogged pores.
3. Deterioration of hair condition.
4. Risk of severe burns.
5. Development of tumors (with frequent use of solariums).
6. Exacerbation of some chronic diseases.

Important! If you follow the safety rules for using a solarium and do not abuse it, the listed disadvantages can be nullified. To avoid problems, it is recommended to consult with an experienced specialist.

How to sunbathe correctly and profitably during pregnancy

The body of a pregnant woman is exposed to sunlight much more than during other periods. The fact is that hormonal levels change, and this factor enhances the formation of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin a beautiful tan. Instead, the expectant mother may develop pigment spots on open areas of the skin.

However, this is by no means the most terrible consequence of prolonged exposure to the sun. Much worse is overheating. The fetus has not yet developed the mechanisms of thermoregulation, and therefore the mother’s passion for sunbathing can cause problems in the functioning of the nervous system and brain of the unborn child. To prevent this from happening, you must follow a number of recommendations.

Tanning rules for pregnant women

• Forget the solarium. Your friend is the sun.
• Direct sunlight is dangerous for pregnant women. On the beach it is better to hide under an umbrella; in nature, sit in the shade of trees. Don't worry about tanning: to get a beautiful chocolate skin tone, you don't have to fry in the sun.
• The best time for sunbathing is in the morning, before 11 o'clock, and in the evening, after 15 o'clock. During the day, when the sun is most active, it is better to stay indoors.
• If the temperature rises above 30 degrees, it is recommended to avoid going to the beach. On such days, sunbathing can be taken during leisurely walks.
• On the beach, sit on a sun lounger: the pebbles and sand warm up to 60 degrees and above, which threatens overheating. In addition, a lounge chair allows you to keep your head elevated, which is beneficial.
• Choose the right clothes: they should be spacious and breathable. Don’t forget about a hat (a wide-brimmed hat is best, because you need to hide your face from the rays and avoid age spots) and sunglasses, and chapstick will save your lips from drying out. And, of course, don't go out in the sun without applying sunscreen.
• Drink plenty - at least 2-3 liters per day. Make sure you always have water with you (not sweet and carbonated drinks, but plain water). This way you will avoid dehydration.

We all want to be beautiful, but expectant mothers should not forget: sunbathing for them is not a means to achieve a chocolate skin tone, but a procedure useful for an unborn child. This means you need to sunbathe correctly and not for too long.

Hair care

There is an unusually persistent myth that pregnant women should not cut or dye their hair.

Where it came from is now difficult to understand, but nevertheless, in the antenatal clinic you will definitely meet several expectant mothers with noticeably grown hair roots and a haircut that has lost all shape. There is no scientific evidence that cutting or dyeing hair with modern gentle hair dyes can harm a pregnant woman or unborn child. Therefore, forget about grandma’s fears and feel free to go to the beauty salon! The only caveat is that don’t forget that after the birth of your baby, you most likely won’t have time for a hairdresser in the first months, so closer to the birth, get a haircut that will be easy to care for when you’re short on time.

Pregnant women and water: can you swim?

Swimming is a great sport. It trains all types of muscles (including abdominal muscles, which will help during childbirth) and breathing, relieves fatigue and swelling. In the water, the expectant mother will again be able to feel lightness throughout her body.

But don’t rush into the first body of water you come across. First make sure it is clean. Experts do not recommend swimming in stagnant water, that is, in ponds and lakes. The immune system of expectant mothers is weakened, and therefore various infections caused by microorganisms from these bodies of water are most destructive for pregnant women. But visiting the pool will be completely safe.

You should not swim if the water temperature does not exceed 20 degrees. Hypothermia is no less dangerous than overheating.

You should not swim for a long time. As soon as you feel the first signs of fatigue, go ashore and take a break. Try not to swim far, because the likelihood of cramps during pregnancy increases significantly.

Warm up before entering the water. Rub your feet and calves, straighten and bend your legs, stand on your toes. This way you will avoid cramps.

It is useful not only to swim, but also to do simple physical exercises in the water: turns, bends, raising and lowering your arms and legs. But you should forget about diving and diving for a while.

And most importantly: ultraviolet rays affect you even in water. Therefore, add up the time spent on the beach and the time you spend swimming, so as not to stay in the sun for too long.

Cosmetics

It is forbidden

Products with retinoids are strictly prohibited during pregnancy, breastfeeding and three months before a planned pregnancy - they can have a teratogenic and embryotoxic effect, that is, negatively affect the fetus and increase the risk of congenital malformations. Therefore, products with retinoids are prescribed only if there is a negative pregnancy test and reliable contraception.

It is undesirable to use drugs containing acids during pregnancy. These are quite aggressive agents, and during pregnancy they can cause an unpredictable reaction: irritation, pigmentation disorders (lightening of some areas or, conversely, the appearance of dark spots), etc.

You should not use creams containing hormones (usually these are cosmetics that fight the signs of aging), because the body already undergoes powerful hormonal changes during pregnancy and lactation; you should not additionally load it.

Need to!

Be sure to use sunscreen during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that hormonal changes in the body often provoke the development of hyperpigmentation. And the sun's rays make this problem worse.

Remedies against stretch marks. Striae or stretch marks are such an unpleasant phenomenon that it is much easier to prevent than to get rid of it later. Be sure to use good anti-stretch mark creams from the very beginning of pregnancy, applying them with massaging movements to problem areas: chest, shoulders, abdomen, hips, buttocks. By the way, stretch marks often appear after childbirth, during lactation - after all, a nursing woman’s breasts can increase by several sizes compared to their normal state. Therefore, do not forget about the prevention of stretch marks throughout the entire period of breastfeeding.

Sea, sea... Is it possible for pregnant women to go there?

Not only is it possible, but it is necessary! Sea water contains a lot of microelements and salts that strengthen and tone the body.

What should you pay attention to during a boat trip?

• Abrupt climate change is your enemy. It is best to choose places with a mild maritime climate. In Russia, a great option could be a vacation in the Kaliningrad region on the Baltic Sea or on the Black Sea at the beginning or at the end of the holiday season.
• You should not relax on popular crowded beaches. The weakened immunity of pregnant women requires privacy, not crowds.
• Often the seabed is rocky, and even more dangerous are corals that can cut your feet. Take special rubber slippers with you that will protect your feet from wounds.
• It is also necessary to protect yourself from possible genital infections. Gels and creams for intimate hygiene will help you with this.

The sea is good not only for the body, but also for the soul (or, if you like, the psyche). Contemplating the surf calms you down and sets you up for positive thoughts - what else does a pregnant woman need?..

Salon treatments

Many people forget the way to a cosmetologist as soon as they see two lines on the test. This is a completely unnecessary sacrifice! Yes, there are certain procedures that are not recommended during pregnancy, but most skincare programs are quite affordable and will help maintain your beauty during this wonderful period. Just remember to notify the cosmetologist about your interesting situation, and the doctor will offer you suitable care.

It would also be a good idea to consult with the obstetrician-gynecologist who is caring for your pregnancy.

It is forbidden

• Procedures associated with a sharp change in temperature: cryosauna, hot wrap, etc.
• Hardware stimulating procedures can provoke contraction of the uterine muscles.
• Laser procedures and photorejuvenation.
• Injection techniques.

Massage

There is a widespread belief that pregnant women should not receive massage. In fact, it is possible, but only if the massage therapist has the appropriate qualifications. Regular massage can cause undesirable consequences. But a special massage for pregnant women, on the contrary, will significantly improve your well-being and condition. During this difficult period, when increasing weight, swelling, increased stress on the back and legs can cause many unpleasant moments, an experienced massage therapist will be of great help.

The main thing to remember is to be less nervous, don’t let meaningless restrictions poison your life and enjoy every moment of your magical state!

Every pregnancy is individual

And finally, we’ll tell you where to start. More precisely, what you need to do first when planning a vacation. Of course, we are talking about going to the doctor.

Only a specialist, having weighed all the pros and cons, will tell you whether you can sunbathe and swim, whether you should go to the sea, and if so, what type of transport.

SMC Best Clinic doctors will responsibly give recommendations on how a pregnant woman should structure her vacation. Follow their advice, follow the rules of staying in the sun and in the water, and then your summer holiday will become not only enjoyable, but also useful and safe.

Types of solariums

Currently, beauty salons and other similar establishments offer visitors three types of solariums:

1. Horizontal - a classic option that involves insolation in a lying position. It is ideal for people who want not just to get a tan, but to take a break from endless worries and relax.
2. Vertical - traditionally equipped with high-power lamps, allowing you to reduce session time without compromising the quality of tanning. You have to stand in such a solarium, but, as many clients note, this does not create discomfort. However, in order for the tan to apply evenly, you need to turn.
3. Turbo solarium is equipped with a special air conditioning system that prevents burns and makes staying inside the capsule more comfortable. Solariums of this type may differ in the type of placement, but the result is always the same - a rich, uniform tan.

Choosing a solarium is a personal matter for everyone, but to determine the best one for yourself, it’s worth sunbathing in each one. You should also study the pros and cons of all options, and only then draw conclusions.

Benefits and harms

Assuring that tanning in a solarium is solely beneficial or harmful is wrong, although there is a lot of controversy surrounding this. In fact, this procedure has negative and positive sides, which we will discuss in more detail.