Going to the Beach...

ehicks

So FI and I are going on vacation this Thurs - next Sat. We are going to Myrtle Beach, SC, where I have gone every year with my family since I was 3. Usually my beach routine is to lay out for hours on end (I was a tanning freak!) and only use a SPF 15 at most (I'm italian so I tan super easily).

So my question is... now that I am pregnant, what should I be doing while we are at the beach? Sitting mostly under an umbrella? wear a hat? What spf should I invest in? Is it okay to sit out in the sun for like 45mins at a time?

How about some snacks or liquids? I have low blood sugar so just water doesn't really help me much. If I get over heated I get very dizzy (this was a problem before I was preggers).

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Also, since we will be at the beach I will be so tempted to want fish! Exactly what fish is safe? What types of sauces should I stay away from? They always seem to cook things in spicy or garlic sauces, and I don't want to be up all night with acid reflux!

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Any tips would be terrific ladies!!!!!?

Sticky41284

I'm Italian too, so imagine my suprise when I BURNED right through my usual SPF 15! I would suggest a higher SPF, esp if you are going to be out in the sun for a long time. And drink a TON of water!!

Oh, and have fun! I'm super jealous!

BoSoxbride

I think the concern is the same as the concern about hot baths, that you not get overheated. So as long as you're comfortable and hydrated you should be okay. We've gone to a local lake several time and I brought a beach umbrella. I sat in the sun until I started to feel like I was getting really warm (about 20 min or so) and then moved under the umbrella. Bring some fruits to munch on because they'll help keep you hydrated, and something cool to drink. I'm going to the beach for a week in a few weeks and I can't wait! Have fun!

kieransgirl09

im lebanese herritage and i tan really easy also!! i used 10 or 15 and changed to 30 when i would feel like i would burn and constantly drank water all day constantly. i would go in the shade if i felt really hot but i did fine in the sun... and the pregnancy hormones made me tan even better for some reason!! i also ate like every hour....but thats nothing different i'd do that not at the beach!! have a fun time!

woolgathered

I recommend getting a beach chair you can get out of easily. We go to the beach almost every weekend, and I am so uncomfortable laying on the sand now. Also, my chair is too low and my husband has to pull me up! But a good, comfy chair is a must, along with at least 30 spf, a hat, maybe a cover-up, def. an umbrella, a cooler full of water, and lots of snacks (I'm a fan of pb&j sandwiches).

Have fun!!!

beachykeen1723

Keep yourself cool, and try spf 30- you will still tan.

As for fish, go to:

https://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/fishmercury.htm

Have fun!

DiscusCoach

#1 - You are going to over heat a lot quicker. Be mindful of that.

#2 - You are going to burn a lot quicker so wear a higher SPF. Italians still get skin cancer just not as often as us Irish. 

#3 - Big floppy hats are fabulous. Wear along w/ oversized shades and people will be wondering which movie star you are. 

#4 - Have a blast. We were just running through possible names last night and Carolina came up. Then we joked that we can't possibly name her that because we've never been there. 

ickasticka

You will definitely need a much higher SPF and need to reapply at least every 1 - 2 hours.  Pregnancy hormones make us much more prone to burning now.  You may want to consider a large brimmed hat and umbrella as well since it's for so many days.  Also make sure you drink plenty of water and maybe bring some juice or low-cal Gatorade G2 to replace your fluids and electrolytes.  Fresh cut fruit is a great idea for snacking and hydration.  Have fun!

kellygirl0515

Sitting out in the sun is ok - just use sunblock, even if you tan b/c being pregnant your skin tends to burn quicker and easier.  Definitely stay well hydrated and don't overheat yourself.  Keep up w/ the snacks.

As far as fish goes.  My dr said fish in moderation is fine just stay away from tile fish (sharkm makrel etc...)

Have fun Kel