SUN’S OUT, BUMP’S OUT: PREGNANCY SAFE SUNSCREENS!

During pregnancy you might find yourself paying a little more attention to things you would normally do on auto-pilot, like… buying sunscreen!

Are there chemicals in them that you should absolutely avoid? How safe are sunscreens in general? Are there specific ones for pregnant women?

Let’s try and answer all of these questions, but keep in mind you should always contact your GP for medical advice!

SUN AND PREGNANCY: IS IT SAFE?

The NHS offers some interesting articles and links about the subject, like THIS ONE https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/are-sunbeds-safe-to-use-during-pregnancy/://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/are-sunbeds-safe-to-use-during-pregnancy/

Warmer weather can make you feel even more hot and uncomfortable during pregnancy, and lead to dehydration, fatigue, heat exhaustion, fainting or even heatstroke. So, before considering the “sunbathing issue”, remember to stay hydrated and keep cool.

There are no proven risks to an unborn baby from sunbathing, but studies have suggested there may be a link between increased UV rays and a folic acid deficiency – which leads NHS to advise against sunbathing during pregnancy.

Avoiding the sun can also help prevent melasma (or pregnancy mask), which is a skin condition – more common on the face – in which brown or grey-ish patches of pigmentation 

The best thing to prevent melasma worsening is protecting yourself from UV radiation by avoiding the sun, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside and by wearing sun tan lotion factor 30 or above, with a high UVA rating. 

ARE SUNSCREENS SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

Sunscreens act by blocking harmful UV rays and this requires including ingredients such as oxybenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and retinyl palmitate.

You might be thinking… “Wow, none of these sounds very natural” – and I agree! These ingredients are harmless to women who are not pregnant, but it is not as straightforward if you are pregnant. 

In fact, one ingredient you must avoid is oxybenzone. This chemical absorbs into your skin, and can affect hormones and cause problems in unborn babies and low birth weights. 

A better alternative would be to choose a mineral sunscreen instead of traditional chemical sunscreens.

When looking at mineral sunscreens, choose one that uses either just zinc oxide or a combination of titanium oxide and zinc oxide to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

When applying mineral sunscreens, keep in mind you need less than you are used to with traditional chemical ones. Working in small areas, with pea-sized amounts, will also help reduce any whiteness from over-application.

Generally speaking, always ensure that your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, it is water resistant and applied regularly.

TOP 3 PREGNANCY SAFE SUNSCREENS

This non-comprehensive list is a starting point for your research – but products and formulations change all the time, so make sure you double check ingredients and, as always… refer to your GP for advice!

1. EARTH MAMA ORGANICS UBER SENSITIVE MINERAL SUNSCREEN LOTION (SPF 40)

This pregnancy-safe, water resistant, sunscreen is free from both chemicals and nano-particles that have been shown to damage coral reefs. 

Formulated for sensitive skin, this Earth Mama sunscreen offers plenty of calming organic colloidal oatmeal and organic shea butter, in addition to being fragrance free.

Earth Mama Organics makes effective organic and natural herbal products for the whole journey of motherhood: pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and baby care. 

2. ALBA BOTANICA SUNSCREENS SENSITIVE MINERAL LOTION (SPF30)

This very emollient and botanically moisturizing mineral sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection against sunburn, skin cancer and premature signs of aging. The formula is free of Oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA, nano-sunscreens and Vitamin A. 

The lightweight lotion has sunflower seed oil, Jojoba seed oil and Aloe vera which soften and moisturize skin while grape seed oil and Vitamin E provide powerful antioxidant protection. 

Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Lotions is made with mineral sunscreen ingredients, it is water resistant and fragrance free – its biodegradable formula is certified by the gluten-free certification organization. 

3. BADGER UNSCENTED CLEAR ZINC SUNSCREEN (SPF30)

This broad spectrum mineral sunscreen has only 5 simple ingredients: clear zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, sunflower vitamin E, and organic sea buckthorn extract. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic & fragrance-free this all natural sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin and all skin types. 

The mineral zinc oxide stays on top of your skin, scattering and absorbing UVA & UVB rays, and won’t absorb into your bloodstream. Naturally water and sweat resistant for at least 40 minutes, Badger Unscented Clear Zinc Sunscreen is perfect for the beach, swimming, and light activities.

AND… ENJOY

For all those mums-to-be out there… this summer enjoy the sun, but keep safe!

Slice of Life Photography is based in Spalding and specialises in baby, newborn and family photography and would love to hear from you!

Lincolnshire Photography Studio

Now that the new studio has been trialled for a few months and is working well I thought you might like a video tour of the inside.  Based in Whaplode this Licolnshire Photography studio is a fabulous size and can accommodate large family groups for extended family protraits as well as being fully equipped and spacious to allow for a seamless process during your newborn photoshoot.  

I look forward to welcoming you into the photography studio soon.  Wyy not pop me a message and secure your next photoshoot now?

Marie 

The last weeks of pregnancy

Whether it is the first baby or other children are in the mix, the final weeks of pregnancy are so exciting yet filled with tiredness and just a tad of worry sprinkled on the side too.

Everything becomes a lot more real and there are plenty of mixed emotions going on during these months and it can be difficult to keep it all under wraps!

THE THIRD TRIMESTER OF YOUR PREGNANCY

From week 29 to week 40 of your pregnancy, which means months 7 to 9, your baby continues to grow each and every day as the third trimester goes along. The midwives will probably tell you me to keep an eye out for small signs of labour, as baby might want to arrive early! 

Talking about your midwife, during the final weeks you will have more frequent checks with her – it’s so important to keep track of the baby’s health and ensure everything is going smoothly. The position of baby is now a great deal of importance, so your midwife will be checking positioning and making goals of where baby should be moving and how you are going to get them out! 

She will also talk to you in more detail about labour and how you both are going to approach it: it might feel a little bit daunting at times, but she will help you through it all!

Another important suggestion that she might give you is to start sleeping on the side at night… unless you have already started!

This is by far the safest (and often most comfortable) position for you and baby during the final weeks of your pregnancy.

GETTING READY FOR YOUR BABY

The best thing to do is use these last few weeks of pregnancy to prepare yourself for this… tiny family addition, and enjoy some alone time: try to embrace what you have right now and begin moving onto your next chapter!

Here are a few more things you might want to keep in mind during the final weeks:

• It is okay to start getting a little bit slower!

Even if you love to exercise, in the final weeks you will find that that your body is naturally slowing down and that is okay. Do not push yourself, walking is more than enough exercise for you and your baby.

• Join some classes!
  Being around other mothers in the same trimester and doing activities like yoga and pilates can really helped you to stay active and sociable. 
• Start writing your birth plan!
  
  You could use a mini journal to keep note of all of the options and pain relief available to you and how you wish for my labour to go. However, not all labours can go to plan so it is always best to keep your mind open as you may want extra help when that special time comes!

AND FINALLY…

If you have not done it yet, don’t forget to start planning your newborn photoshoot!

The best time to photograph your baby and get all those super cute, sleepy and curly poses is when they are under 3 weeks of age, so there is a very limited window of opportunity. 

To see more of my newborn work visit  https://www.sliceoflifephotography.co.uk/newborn-photography/