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21 Jul 2008 08:00 PM

Enjoying the Beach, Safely

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Many of the most popular summertime vacation spots include a beach. You may have read, in this blog or elsewhere, that tanning is not a good idea during pregnancy. You may be wondering if this means you can't go to the beach. In a word, no. You can still enjoy some time on the beach by following a few safety tips.

One of the biggest problems with tanning and spending time at the beach is overheating. You can help avoid overheating by staying in shade and getting in the water to keep from getting too hot. If you are really hot, head indoors for a while to cool off.

It's important to stay well hydrated, whether you are at the beach or anywhere else outdoors in the summer. This high temperatures cause the body to lose more water. You need to replenish what is lost. The easiest way to do this is to pack water and sip it continuously throughout the day.

Don't forget to pack the sunscreen. Sunburn is never fun, but is especially bad during pregnancy. In addition, some women find their skin is more sensitive when they are pregnant. This can increase the risk of getting a sunburn. This is not only bad for the baby, but it is bad for you as well. Long term exposure to the sun has been linked from problems ranging from premature aging to skin cancer. Use a water proof sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.

Limit your time at the beach. Spending the whole day out in the sun is bad for overheating and will drain your energy. Spend some time at the beach in the morning and then head back to the hotel. Rest in the air conditioning and maybe take a nap. Later in the day, you can head back to the beach for another short visit. A walk in the evening when the sun isn't so strong is another great way to enjoy the beach atmosphere safely.

Related Articles:

Is Tanning Safe?

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Traveling During Pregnancy

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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