Can I sunbathe?
Doctors advise pregnant women to avoid excessive sunbathing. While sunbathing, you are exposed to active UV rays, explain experts from the NHS, the UK National Health Service [1]. Moreover, tanning beds during pregnancy are especially dangerous, because some models emit more UV radiation than the midday sun in the Mediterranean. Better not to risk it.
Why is ultraviolet light dangerous for pregnant women?
There is evidence that UV light breaks down folic acid — the most important nutrient for pregnant women. Lack of folic acid can lead to the development of pathologies of the brain and spinal cord in the baby [2].
In addition, sunbathing can lead to overheating and dehydration of mom and unborn child and increases the risk of developing melanoma — the most dangerous type of skin cancer [1].
