Pregnancy safety tips

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At the early stages of pregnancy, your skin will become extra sensitive to ultraviolet rays. So you must take more care for that. At the time of pregnancy when your skin got exposed to UV rays, pigment-producing cells called melanocytes kick into overdrive making the skin more sensitive to discoloration. Studies says that exposure to the UV rays decreases your folic acid levels which are not good for the health of your baby.

A folic acid is a human-made form of Vitamin B called folate. This folate plays very important role in the production of RBC and helps your baby’s neural tube to develop into her brain and spinal cord. Folate is also necessary to DNA production, repair and functionality. They prevent birth disabilities like cleft lips, palates and certain types of heart defects. Folic acid plays a vital role in supporting the growth of placenta and foetus. The best food that is containing folic acid is fortified cereals. It is found mostly in dark green vegetables and citrus fruits.

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Lack of folic acid in pregnant ladies leads to neural tube defects(like spina bifida) and even miscarriage. The Vitamin B also helps your body build and maintain red blood cells which deliver oxygen to your baby and your body. Doctors say that every woman must get 400 mcg of folic acid before conception, 600 mcg during pregnancy and 400 mcg at the time of breastfeeding.

Pregnant women with folic acid deficiencies were found to be two to three times more to have a premature baby or baby with low weight than those who got enough folic acid. So you must make sure that you are getting your right amount of daily prenatal supplement.

The melanin pigmentation increases with pregnancy. An oxidation chemical reaction occurs when the UVA reacts with the melanin in your skin which results in darkening of skin colour. An example for hyperpigmentation is melasma also referred to as chloasma, which is characterised by tan or brown patches mostly on the face. Melasma often occurs in pregnant women and known as “mask of pregnancy” which occurs due to long time exposure to the sun.

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The pregnant ladies must be more careful and try to avoid exposure to UV radiation which can harm to themselves and their unborn baby. Long-term exposure to UV radiation will result in changes to the immune system and makes skin more susceptible to cause cancer.
Along with that during pregnancy, the body’s overheating can cause dangerous effects like heat stroke, hyperthermia, dehydration, very high body temperature & high blood pressure, heat cramps and stress. Overheating during sun tanning can seriously affect the mother and unborn baby.

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Pregnant mother must drink eight ounces for each hour when you are outside. You can consume milk or sports drinks that replace electrolytes you have lost while sweating. And if you are sitting on the beach, try to take long shade breaks every 20 minutes and bring a bottle to keep your skin moist and cool. If you become dehydrated, you are limiting oxygen and nutrients from getting to your baby which can put your baby’s development in danger. Whether in beach or pool, try to take frequent dips into the water. It not only cools you but helps to take some of your extra weight off of your sciatic nerve, which can get overtaxed and affect pelvis, leg and foot pain. Swimming can eliminate strain on your joints which are helpful for mums who have to carry around additional weight constantly. Try to avoid swallowing ocean water since it can be contaminated with untreated sewage from fertilisers, pets, boats and faulty septic systems. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Chemicals and bacteria in the water can cause gastrointestinal illness.