Pregnancy can be an exciting and beautiful experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
One of the things that pregnant women need to be aware of is the increased risk of sunburn when pregnant. While a sunburn may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can have potentially serious consequences for both the mother and the unborn baby if not handled correctly.
Here are some important things to know about dealing with and avoiding sunburn while pregnant.
Pregnant Women Are More Susceptible to Sunburns
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes, including significant changes to her skin.
These hormonal shifts cause an increase in estrogen and progesterone, which makes skin considerably more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. This means that even a short period of sun exposure can put a pregnant woman at a higher risk of sunburn than usual.
In fact, studies show that about 90% of pregnant women experience some form of skin change during pregnancy. This is not just cosmetic, it reflects real, measurable changes in how the skin functions and responds to environmental stressors.
In addition to becoming more prone to sunburn, pregnancy hormones cause pigment-producing cells to work in overdrive. This may result in an increased number of freckles, the appearance of the linea nigra, or a condition called melasma, often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma causes tan or dark patches to form on the face, and sun exposure makes it significantly worse.
Additionally, excessive exposure to the sun can lead to premature skin aging and increases the long-term risk of skin cancer. Over 90% of all skin cancers are linked to UV ray exposure, a risk that does not pause during pregnancy.
Dehydration and UV Rays
The main danger that pregnant women face from sunburn is dehydration.
Increased rates of urination and sweating while being out in the sun can cause pregnant women to dehydrate at a faster rate than the average person. An expecting mother can lose up to half a gallon of fluid when exposed to temperatures above 90°F for as little as ten minutes.
Dehydration is a serious condition on its own, but during pregnancy it carries additional risks. Severe dehydration can decrease amniotic fluid levels, which protect the baby inside the womb. It can also trigger preterm contractions, increasing the risk of preterm labor or miscarriage.
Additionally, dehydration from sunburn raises core body temperature. In severe cases, this can escalate to heat stroke, a medical emergency that is especially dangerous during pregnancy.Prolonged exposure to UV rays also depletes an expectant mother’s stores of folic acid. This is particularly concerning in the first trimester, as folic acid deficiency has been linked to serious neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in the developing baby. If you are ever unsure whether your symptoms are serious, it helps to understand when to go to a hospital for a sunburn before deciding to wait at home.
Prevention is Key
The best way to protect yourself and your baby is to avoid getting sunburned in the first place. Here are the most effective prevention strategies:
Stay out of peak sun hours
The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to limit outdoor time during these hours. If you must be outside, seek shade whenever possible, especially near water or sand, which reflects UV rays and increases exposure.
Wear protective clothing
Cover sensitive areas, including the sunburn on pregnant belly risk zone, by wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing. Many outdoor clothing lines now include a built-in UPF rating that offers more reliable protection than sunscreen alone.
Choose the right sunscreen
- Not all sunscreens are created equal, and during pregnancy, ingredient selection matters.
- Choose a sunscreen that uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. These are mineral-based options that sit on top of the skin and do not absorb into the bloodstream.
- Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone. Unlike zinc oxide, oxybenzone absorbs into the skin, enters the bloodstream, and has raised concerns about potential hormonal effects during pregnancy.
- Make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage. Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important things you can do on a hot day while pregnant. Keep a water bottle or electrolyte drink nearby at all times. Thirst is already a late sign of dehydration, do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Treating Sunburn at Home
If you do get sunburned while pregnant, there are several safe steps you can take to relieve discomfort and support healing.
Cool compresses
Apply cool (not ice cold) compresses to the affected areas. This helps reduce heat, swelling, and inflammation without shocking the skin.
Aloe vera or fragrance-free moisturizer
Aloe vera gel is one of the safest and most effective remedies for sunburn relief during pregnancy. Apply it generously to affected areas. Fragrance-free moisturizers also help soothe and rehydrate damaged skin.
Hydrate aggressively
Drinking plenty of water helps counteract the fluid loss caused by sunburn. You can also use electrolyte drinks to help replenish lost minerals and support hydration.
Safe pain relief Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to relieve pain from sunburn during pregnancy. However, it is critical to avoid NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can be harmful to the developing baby, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
If sunburn blisters appear, watch them carefully for signs of infection, including oozing, pus, or increased pain. Do not pop blisters. Infected sunburn blisters during pregnancy need professional medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you develop a severe sunburn, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Signs of a severe sunburn or sun poisoning during pregnancy include:
- Fever or chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe or worsening pain
- Blistering over a large area
- Dizziness or fainting
- Intense headache
- Decreased fetal movement
Any of these symptoms in a pregnant woman warrants immediate evaluation by a medical professional. When pregnant, it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution. If you feel that any medical condition, including sunburn while pregnant, is getting worse, seek professional help from a trusted physician immediately.
Frequently Ask Questions
Village Emergency Can Help
In conclusion, it is important for pregnant women to take preventative measures to avoid sunburns, and to seek medical attention if they develop a severe sunburn.
By taking the precautions above, pregnant women can enjoy the sun safely and without risking their health or the health of their unborn baby.
In the event that you are dealing with sunburn while pregnant, you can always rely on Village Emergency Centers for help. Our board-certified physicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
With locations in Jersey Village and League City, we provide fast, compassionate care close to home. Feel free to contact our team before your visit, or simply walk straight in. Visit Village EC today. We are always ready to help.