The pregnant woman undergoes real hormonal upheavals. Her skin is more sensitive to the sun, and her body is less resistant to heat than usual. Against UV rays and the inconveniences of summer, there are means of protection and prevention adapted to pregnancy.

 

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM UV RAYS DURING PREGNANCY

The body of a pregnant woman is more sensitive to UV rays from the sun. This phenomenon is governed by an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels in the blood. At these concentrations, these hormones help maintain pregnancy. This is also what explains the fragility of the skin of a pregnant woman.

UV RAYS, THE PREGNANCY MASK AND THE BROWN LINE

A pregnancy mask, also called chloasma in medical jargon, is the appearance of pigmented spots on the face after exposure to UV rays. The areas most exposed to the sun are more prone to it: nose, cheekbones, forehead, upper lip.

Hormonal variations in pregnancy make the skin sensitive to UV rays. Melanin, a brown pigment responsible for tanning, in particular, is then secreted abnormally high. The cells that produce this pigment, called melanocytes, are also more numerous.

Most of the time, this pregnancy mask disappears in the months following childbirth. In some cases, these pigment spots may persist. It is then difficult to make them disappear. It is therefore essential to protect yourself effectively from the sun during pregnancy.

A vertical brown line, or linea nigra, may appear on the mother-to-be's stomach. Due to a significant secretion of melanin, it can appear without even exposing the belly to the sun. However, exposure to UV rays accentuates this phenomenon: good sun protection is essential if you uncover your stomach in the sun.

COVER UP FOR GOOD PREVENTION

Dry clothing is the most effective means of protection against UV rays from the sun. Be aware, however, that once wet, the mesh relaxes and the textile no longer correctly acts as a sun filter.

To overcome this drawback, there are anti-UV clothing made of microfiber fabric, the mesh of which, even soaked in water, continues to effectively filter UV rays. For effective protection, choose clothing stamped with standard EN 13758-2 + A1. Also, opt for hats with a wide brim.

Remember that UV rays from tanning booths are just as dangerous as those from the sun. To find out more, you can read our article on sun protection.

CHOOSING AND USING SUNSCREEN

When you are pregnant, UV rays are more aggressive for your skin: your choice will immediately fall on maximum protection with an index of 50+.

Mineral screens are preferred during pregnancy. They reflect the sun's UV rays and do not contain chemical filters. In addition, some mineral screens are free from nanoparticles: an eco-label certifies this on the packaging.

The texture of your sunscreen is also important. It will depend on the area to be protected. We prefer a cream for the face and stomach, and sticks for particularly sensitive areas such as the ears, nose, lips, scars or pigmented spots. Applied in thick layers because they are richer, these textures will offer you maximum protection against the mask of pregnancy and the brown line.

Sun lotion, more fluid and easier to apply, can be used to protect the rest of the body. Sun protection should be applied in a thick layer on all exposed parts of the body, every 2 hours, and after each swim (even if the sun protection is water-resistant!).

Between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., the intensity of the sun's UV rays is maximum. It is advisable to avoid this critical period for sun exposure: sunscreen never fully protects against UV.

Did you know that sand reflects 15% of the UV rays it receives? It is the phenomenon of reverberation, a parasol cannot protect you completely, especially as its fabric allows up to 50% of UV rays to pass through!

PREVENT HEAT RISKS WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT

Pregnancy is accompanied by inconveniences such as lower back pain, mood swings, digestive difficulties, or even acne. Hot flashes and excessive sweating are also a lot of hormonal changes in pregnant women. Another cause of these symptoms is the increased blood supply. In addition to the summer heat, the slightest effort can make you sweat. At the end of pregnancy, too-hot baths, hammams and saunas are not recommended.

DEHYDRATION: THE DANGER OF HEAT!

During pregnancy, the risk of dehydration is greater. Excessive heat, such as summer, can increase body temperature. The risk of getting sick then increases. Keep up to date with heatwave episodes, and know the symptoms of dehydration:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;

Intense thirst;

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, confusion, or even convulsions;

Great fatigue, difficulty moving, nighttime restlessness;

Fever (body temperature above 38.5 ° C);

Disorders of consciousness.

To reduce a strong feeling of heat, seek shade and cooler places. Wiping a glove soaked in cool water over your skin can help. The use of a fan is strongly recommended.

If you are not at home, some public establishments, or some stores, are air-conditioned. Do not hesitate to take a break there, or even a visit to the municipal swimming pool!

Cooling and moisturizing sprays based on thermal or spring water are also of great help during hot flashes or temperature peaks. Small in size, some slip into the handbag and can accompany you everywhere.

In any case, never neglect your hydration.

STAY HYDRATED DURING PREGNANCY

While regular and sufficient hydration is advice that applies to everyone, pregnancy requires extra vigilance. Drinking at least 1.5L of water per day compensates for water losses due to perspiration and breathing, and ensures the body's thermoregulation. This ratio should be increased as summer temperatures rise, ideally not to wait until you are thirsty.

INPES recommends a minimum intake of 2.5L of water per day for a pregnant woman, including 1.5L of drinking water, and 1L of food consumed ( INPES Pregnancy Nutrition Guide ). The consumption of fruits and vegetables largely contributes to these contributions. The public health organization considers tap water to be perfectly suited to the hydration of pregnant women. If you are more into bottled water, he recommends water rich in magnesium and calcium rather than sodium.

Caffeinated drinks, such as tea or coffee, for example, are already not recommended during pregnancy. This is even more true during hot weather because these drinks have a diuretic effect, that is to say, that you urinate more when consuming them.

FIGHT AGAINST HEAVY LEGS WHEN PREGNANT

During the last trimester of pregnancy, in particular, the venous circulation of the legs is compromised: we speak of venous insufficiency. A feeling of heavy legs is felt. Of varicose veins or oedema may occur elsewhere. The circulating hormone levels during pregnancy helps reduce the elasticity of the veins and the uterus compresses a major abdominal vein: the inferior vena cava.

To prevent heavy legs during pregnancy, you can:

To pass a jet of cold water on your legs, massage them from the ankles to the thighs, and raise your footboard;

To wear shoes with small heels of 2 to 4 cm and take small regular walks.

Your doctor and pharmacist can advise you to wear compression stockings, which are particularly effective, as well as take vagotonic drugs, which are mostly plant-based.