Solar Eclipse & Pregnancy: Protecting Your Developing Baby

Pregnant women should not expose themselves to direct sunlight during a solar eclipse.

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful to the developing fetus, and the intensity of the UV rays during an eclipse can be even higher than normal.

Some of the potential risks of UV ray exposure during pregnancy include:

* Neural tube defects

* Cleft lip and palate

* Other birth defects

* Miscarriage

* Preterm birth

* Low birth weight

To protect yourself from UV rays during a solar eclipse, you should:

* Stay indoors.

* If you must go outside, wear protective clothing, including a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves and pants.

* Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin.

* Seek shade whenever possible.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

If you are pregnant and have any questions about solar eclipses, you should talk to your doctor.