It’s approaching summer in Australia, and if you’re pregnant you’ll probably be feeling the heat more than the rest of us.
Entrepreneur and mum-of-four Bec Judd was once in this position – in fact, she was pregnant over summer during all three of her pregnancies – and she feels your pain.
The TV presenter told Hello Bump: The Pointy End co-host Monique Bowley that she spent plenty of time outside during the warm weather – and it’s something she regrets to this day.
Listen to Rebecca Judd offer a word of warning about why hot weather and pregnancy don’t mix. (Post continues after audio…)
“When I was pregnant with Billie was the summer of 2014 there was a run of 40-degree days,” she said.
“And what was I doing, foolishly? Lying outside trying to get a tan by the pool.
“I tell you now, in hindsight, that was one of the worst things I ever did.”
The 34-year-old said sun baking was a mistake, not only because we should all be staying sun smart, but because there’s an extra reason mums-to-be might want to keep their stomachs covered up as the sun beats down: The melanin in your skin is very hypersensitive to the sun while pregnant. Hormonal changes can also trigger melasma – something Snezana Markoski knows all about.
In Bec’s experience, tanning her belly also darkened her linea nigra – the line from your pubic bone to your belly button.
“It doesn’t go away for a very long time. It’s like a permanent stain. So after I delivered Billie the rest of my body went back to a normal colour, but my belly stayed so dark and didn’t match the other parts of my body,” the TV presenter said.
“Post-twins I’ve still got that line. I’ve still got it. I’ve got this snail trail.”
While staying sun smart may not completely eliminate your chances of developing a dark linea nigra, experts do recommend covering up and using a broad spectrum sunscreen to minimise darkened spots on your skin during pregnancy.
The more you know, right?
Listen to the full episode of Hello Bump: The Pointy End here or download from Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Top Comments
Please tell me no one takes pregnancy, parenting, or sun safe advice from this woman............
Who lies in the sun to tan these days? I have had a pregnant summer and will be having another, swimming in the ocean is something makes me feel great and I'll definitely be doing despite this 'valuable' advice. Yawn.