HOW TO SURVIVE PREGNANCY AT THE BEACH

Embrace the glorious bump: CHECK!

Buy the itsy-bitsy bikini: CHECK!

Am I ready for the beach: CHECK?

Before turning the above question mark to an exclamation one, check the following 3:

1. Keep that moisture locked in!

Everyone needs to drink a bit more water during summer months, but it is somewhat vital for the mother-to-be. Dehydration can have some serious side effects that include low amniotic fluid, reduced breast milk production or premature labor. The summer sun is hot, so while on the beach make sure you have always a filled with water bottle within reach. For those of you who may find plain water boring, you may try flavored water, fresh juice, or even some mocktails.

Another way to keep cool and hydrated, is to apply a face mist or use a portable fan whenever you feel discomfort from the heat and sun.

2. Avoid the sun as much as possible.

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, melanin is overproduced which can lead to what is known as melasma. Melasma, also called chloasma or “mask of pregnancy” is a skin condition which looks like gray-brown patches and appears most often on cheeks, nose bridge, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. Treatment can be found in chemical peel, A & B Hydroxyacids, skin lightening creams or laser.

Prevention, however, is the best medicine, so a sunblock and a wide brimmed hat are highly suggested.

Opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen with natural filters and an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours or after getting out of the sea.

Between 10am to 4pm, we’d recommend staying in the shade as much as possible, perhaps sipping that mocktail.

3. But is it safe to swim in the sea?

Well, not only is it safe, but also highly suggested. The water will help support the extra weight and relieve some of the pressure your joints take. Just enjoy yourself swimming keeping it fun without turning it into a strenuous exercise.

There’s only a couple of things you need to consider before doing so. Firstly, avoid swallowing any seawater as it may be contaminated with various bacteria and may lead to gastrointestinal illness.

Secondly, it’s better to keep away from beaches that usually have jellyfish, hydroids, and anemones lurking in its waters. For beaches, you’re not sure of their status, keep a relieving gel inside your summer bag just in case.

You may now CHECK! and “check in” to your favorite beach destination ASAP!