Is it ok to sunbathe in a bikini or should bumps be covered up

[Wills]

I'm off to Italy and Florida during this pregnancy. I already own a bikini but not a swim costume. I vaguely remember being told that bumps have to be covered as the sunlight can penetrate through the skin to the baby. Is that true? I mean if my skin and fatty layers can't protect how will buying (a blooming expensive cos its got a maternity label) full swim costume make that much of a difference. I mean I don't suppose I gonna look particularly great in a bikini BUT I'm only going to an Italian campsite and my mum's villa - besides if I dress the kids cutely everyone looks at them instead .

So do bumps need to be covered?

I just thought that you needed to be careful not to overheat actually. I have been on holiday in Italy 3 wks ago and spent every day on the beach in a bikini, I am going back in 3 weeks for another 2 wks break and I am planning on doing the same. I think the important thing is to put a lot of cream as the skin is thinner and you run the risk of burning more easily.

No way! But agree with lots of cream. Even if you don't burn easily do be really careful of tanning as you can end up very patchy.

thanks ladies. I get the idea of the skin being thiner that makes more sense. it was just the idea that i had to use a thin piece of fabric....

I remember reading some report ages ago that sunlight on pregnant tummies was good for developing babies, particularly for those due in winter months. As long as you don't burn of course.

I went sunbathing with my DS when I was about 7 months pregnant and he loved it - whenever I pulled up my top and let the bump get the sun he started jiggling and kicking!

Did plaster myself in cream though, just in case.

Hi there

Enjoy the sun, just bear in mind that tanning makes any stretch marks or future ones much worse, at the actual time of the them developing I mean, not after the event. Take care to protect your skin heavily.

Have great hols!

fab. Thankyou ladies