Should I avoid the sun while pregnant?

You asked and you shall now receive. It’s only fair for us to share all of this stored up knowledge about having a baby and what is going on with your body during those nine (really ten) months. We now will answer, in a very public forum, all of those burning questions about having a baby. Each Monday, we will tackle a commonly-asked-question from the point of view of an expectant parent. Chiming in to give feedback will be an expert (you know someone who does this for a living). Earmark, share and add your own input to today’s question; it’s good karma.

Should I avoid the sun while pregnant?

Now that you have your cute bikini that shows off your baby bump, how much sun is too much? While expecting, as with everything – moderation is the key. When expecting, your skin is extra sensitive to the sun and the ultraviolet rays – so less is more. If you will be going on a baby moon where the sun is shining, its best to:

• Drink plenty of water – its easy to get dehydrated in the sun and heat

• Try to limit the time you are outside – the hottest points of the day are between 10AM – 4PM

• Use sunscreen – at least 30 SPF

• Cover up – A Hat and Sunglasses for the beach is a great way to block out the sun’s rays

Expert: Renee Sullivan

Renee Sullivan, parent coach and Founding Director of Mommybites support groups, works with moms each week to create their own personal parenting plan that is right for them, while making sure that each mom gets the support, resources, and community they need for their parenting journey. Drawing from her experience as an birth coach and educator, she guides moms – new, seasoned and expectant through the never – ending array of decisions that come with having a child. Weekly sessions that are “nurturing, informative, and fun” and her “calm-laid back personality” has made her a “dynamic resource” to the parenting community since 2006. Renee’s positive, warm and enthusiastic personality relaxes and guides new and expectant moms to enjoy the journey and her personal attention to detail allows all parents that work with her to quickly get the resources they need to feel at ease to make informed and educated decisions. Before joining Mommybites, she narrowly escaped the trenches of Corporate America where she was a Senior Project Manager for The New York Times, Morgan Stanley and Pfizer. She lives in New York City and is the mom of one happy kindergartener.