We are dedicating Wednesdays (affectionately known as Hump Day) to providing you with information from our prenatal program, thus Bump on the Hump. Each week we will offer tips, the newest prenatal exercise news and recommendations and general information as it relates to prenatal and postnatal fitness. We hope you or someone you know can benefit from what we have to offer. Feel free to share each week’s post with your family, friends and coworkers!
This week’s tip: Sunscreen Safety.
Although our beach trips may be winding down as we move quickly through August, it is still important to stress the use of sunscreen no matter where or when you are exposed to the sun. Protecting yourself from the sun, especially while pregnant is more important than ever. Your body’s pigment-producing cells (called melanocytes) kick into overdrive during pregnancy, making your skin more susceptible to UV-induced discoloration.
While sun exposure doesn’t directly affect your baby, sunburns may raise your core temperature in extreme causes raising the risk of birth defects. Use at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, rub in vs spraying on and make sure your sunscreen doesn’t list oxybenzone as an ingredient which is linked to low birth weights. The use of protective gear such as hats, beach umbrellas and coverups are great choices as well.
If you have any questions about safety in the sun, contact us. Know someone who wants to stay fit during and after pregnancy? Get in touch with us!
References:
1) Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
