Navigating safe products for your summer pregnancy, including sunscreens, bug spray, allergy medications, and help for pregnancy swelling, can be tricky. Learn which ingredients are safest and which to avoid during a summer pregnancy.
Book a consult with a pharmacist if you want personalized assistance.
most common Symptoms & Concerns
Frequently Asked Question
Ingredients of products we selected:
Titanium dioxide
Zinc oxide
To play it safe, we recommend using mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens sit on top of your skin, don’t get absorbed into your bloodstream, and provide immediate protection. They’re also great for sensitive skin!
As for chemical sunscreens, there’s some concern about oxybenzone and its potential as a hormone disruptor. It can get absorbed into your bloodstream and show up in urine and breast milk. Although the concerns with this are very small, sticking with mineral sunscreens might be the better option for peace of mind.
Natural insect repellents can be hit or miss when it comes to protecting against bug bites. Things like citronella candles, wristbands, or skin moisturizers and oils of geraniol, cedar, peppermint, soybean, lemongrass, or rosemary might not make the cut. They’re not the best choice if you’re in an area where insects could carry diseases.
Insects can spread serious illnesses like malaria, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Getting any of these during pregnancy can be harmful to your baby. So, it’s better to stick with proven options when you’re in risky areas.
First, apply your sunscreen, then follow up with bug spray. If you’re using a chemical sunscreen, give it about 20 minutes to soak in before putting on the bug spray. Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 30, and don’t forget to reapply. The general rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours but more often if you are swimming or sweating. Stay safe and enjoy your time outdoors!
A lot of women experience a stuffy nose during pregnancy even if they don’t have a cold or allergies. If your only symptom is nasal congestion, you might be dealing with pregnancy rhinitis. This condition means you have a stuffy nose that starts during pregnancy, lasts at least six weeks, and isn’t due to an infection or allergies.
To help relieve the congestion, try using saline sprays, doing steams, or keeping your head elevated while you sleep. Decongestant sprays can be a quick fix for short-term use, but they’re generally not recommended during the first trimester.
When managing allergies during pregnancy non-medicated, non-prescription products are often the first line of treatment. Here are some options that are generally considered safe:
Non-prescription products:
Antihistamines (OTC):
If non-medicated options don’t work you may want to discuss taking an over-the-counter antihistamine with your doctor or health professional. Even though antihistamines are commonly used during pregnancy to manage itching and other allergies, no antihistamine is categorized as ‘safe’ but some are considered ‘safer’ based on available data.
All antihistamines are rated as a category “B”: which means no evidence of risk in humans; animal studies show risk but these have not been confirmed in humans.
If you find that your feet are getting bigger along with your belly, you’re not alone. Many pregnant women experience some swelling, which is pretty normal.
Swelling tends to be more noticeable in the legs and often peaks during the third trimester. Elevating your feet and relaxing with plenty of water can usually help reduce this swelling.
Call your doctor or midwife if:
You notice swelling in just one leg that comes with pain, redness, or warmth, it might be something more serious like a blood clot.
Or, if you experience sudden or worsening swelling in your face, around your eyes, or in your hands along with high blood pressure, it could be a sign of preeclampsia. This condition requires prompt medical attention to ensure the health of you and your baby, so don’t hesitate to reach out immediately!
We are your expert partners in your health and self-managed care. We believe the most important decision maker in this chain of influence is you
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