CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Sun and Heat Exposure While Pregnant

Find out if sunbathing is safe during pregnancy and how to take precautions.
save article
profile picture of Denise Gershwin, CNM
By Denise Gershwin, CNM, Midwife Specialist
Updated April 17, 2017
Hero Image

Throughout pregnancy it’s important to avoid overheating and dehydration. Pregnant or not, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. But you don’t need to hibernate inside throughout your pregnancy.

Go ahead and enjoy the outdoors while heeding a few precautions. Whether you’re lying out in the sun or exercising outdoors, it’s important to avoid becoming overheated and dehydrated. Avoid being out in the heat for extended periods of time, especially during the hottest part of the day. Try to enjoy outdoor activities and exercise in the morning and evening as much as possible. While you are out in the heat, sun or no sun, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. And definitely use plenty of sunscreen, at least SPF 30, reapplying every few hours and after swimming or towel drying.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Iskra Lawrence and Philip Payne during the American Eagle At NYC's Governors Ball 2019 at Randall's Island on May 31, 2019 in New York City.
Model Iskra Lawrence Welcomes Baby No. 2 With Boyfriend Philip Payne
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman itching belly
How to Deal With Itchy Skin During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
How to Choose the Best Prenatal Vitamins-hero
The Best Prenatal Vitamins, Tested by a Mom-to-Be
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
woman putting on compression socks
The 6 Best Compression Socks for Pregnancy, Tested by an Expectant Mom
By Erin Wisti
pregnant woman getting acupuncture on neck
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman drinking water in kitchen at home
Exactly How Much Water Should a Pregnant Woman Drink?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Yolande Clark-Jackson with her husband and daughter
Getting Pregnant Was My Glow-Up: How Pregnancy With Chronic Illness Helped Me Love My Body
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
best belly bands-hero
8 Best Pregnancy Belly Bands to Support Your Bump
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
pregnant woman applying lotion to belly
How Your Pregnant Belly Will Change During Each Trimester
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of pregnant woman's belly with stretch marks
Can You Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks? Here’s the Deal
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman fixing bra
8 Ways Breasts Change During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman holding a glass of water near belly
How to Treat a UTI During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Say Ahh: Why Going to the Dentist While Pregnant Is So Important
Say Ahh: Why Going to the Dentist While Pregnant Is So Important
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Prenatal Vitamins: Benefits and Side Effects
Prenatal Vitamins: Benefits and Side Effects
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of bare pregnant belly
Body Dysmorphia in Pregnancy: How to Combat Negative Body Image
By Lauren Barth
earth mama mineral sunscreen
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
By The Bump Editors
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 51
Best of Pregnancy Winner: Reader’s Favorite Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
bio oil
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Body Oil
By The Bump Editors
Best of pregnancy: Pink Stork morning sickness sweets
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Morning Sickness Relief
By The Bump Editors
Honest Me Moment Soaking Salts
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Bath Salts
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List