Inside: 16 tips to help you survive a summer pregnancy and make it more enjoyable!
Being pregnant during the hottest part of the year is a challenge, (and not a fun one!).
You’re already running hot and the thought of being in the muggy heat with the sun beating down on you is enough to make you take cover in any building with air conditioning!
When I was pregnant during the summer, I would always come home and complain that it was boiling in the house and increase the air conditioning.
I didn’t even realize I was running hot until I noticed my boyfriend constantly wearing hoodies and sweatpants in the middle of the summer. I would get annoyed and ask him why on earth are you wearing that, it’s so hot! (I felt like just seeing him in warm clothing made me hotter!).
He then broke it to me that, no it was actually freezing in the house. I was the only one that felt like it was hot.
So I had to come up with other ways to stay cool so I didn’t freeze him!
Plus if you have other kids, you may not have the luxury of staying inside all the time because your kids want to be outside.
When I was pregnant with my second baby, my toddler always wanted to go outside so I had to find us some options where I could stay cool.
Although it’s hot, it’s possible to still go out and enjoy the summer weather, you’ll just have to be more careful to ensure you’re taking care of yourself.
These tips will help you survive a summer pregnancy
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Always have water with you
It’s always important to stay hydrated when you’re pregnant and since you’re sweating more during the summer, you’ll want to make sure you’re drinking water more often. Plus, dehydration can cause contractions. Usually just by re-hydrating the contractions’ll stop, but it’s better to avoid the stress and worry contractions can cause and stay hydrated.
Related: 10 Early Signs Of Labor You Need To Know
Wear loose fitting clothes
The last thing you want is to feel sticky and sweaty and end up with swamp butt, (or swamp pretty much anywhere else on your body). That’ll happen if you wear tight clothes that aren’t breathable.
Stick with flowy clothes to avoid trapping heat, (think flowy dresses, tank tops, breathable shorts, or skirts).
Workout
Working out during pregnancy is a great way to stay healthy. Plus these exercises can make labor and delivery faster and easier!
Some easy ways to workout during the summer is by walking, doing indoor or outdoor yoga, or swimming.
Keep your feet elevated
Everyone swells a little more when it’s hot outside. But when you’re pregnant, (especially in the later months of pregnancy) that summer heat can make you swell more.
Be sure to elevate your feet whenever you can, (including when you’re at work) to decrease swelling.
Stay in the AC
Be sure when you’re going somewhere, (if it’s not by the water) that there’s air conditioning.
When I was in my third trimester I went to a friends house. Turns out that friend had no air conditioning and it was around 90 degrees inside and outside her house…
There was no breeze, the muggy heat was stagnant and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I don’t even think I stayed for a half an hour because it was too intense.
Trust me you don’t want to get stuck without air conditioning!
Get comfy shoes
You’ll be walking around a lot so you want to have comfortable supportive shoes.
Related: 8 Pregnancy Essentials You Need To Stay Comfortable
Keep a portable water mister with you
These portable water mister fans are great to cool yourself on the go. If you’re at an event outside and it’s not really breezy, these can help cool you down fast!
Popsicles
Having popsicles is a perfect ice cold treat you can take with you on the go. Grab a cooler and put some popsicles, frozen fruit, and water inside.
Take your rings off
Again, swelling is common during pregnancy, so if you wear a wedding ring or any other kind of ring, you may want to consider taking it off so it doesn’t get too tight on your finger.
I’ve known some women who had to have their rings cut off of their fingers because they got too tight. Something you’ll surely want to avoid!
Stay in the water
Going anywhere with water is a plus because you can stay cool. And if you have kids, they’re probably going to love playing in the water.
So grab your swimsuit and head to the pool, splash pad, or even the sprinkler in your backyard.
Use sunscreen
While you’re in the sun you want to make sure you’re slathering up in sunscreen. Sunscreen should be a must even if you aren’t pregnant, but another reason to make sure you’re using it, is your skin is more sensitive when you’re pregnant, so you could burn more easily.
Try indoor play areas if you have other kids
Sometimes you won’t want to go outside even if your kids do. But you still want to get out of the house and do something.
Try taking them to an indoor play area, just make sure it has air conditioning. Some places you can try are the mall play area or the children’s library.
These were two places that always had the AC cranked up!
Related: How To Cope With Pregnancy Symptoms When You Have A Toddler
Stay out of midday heat
The sun is the hottest and UV rays are the strongest during midday. So this is a good time to stay indoors to avoid overheating and sunburn.
Take a cool shower
This was a favorite option of mine when I was pregnant and hot and I couldn’t turn the air to Antarctic levels…instead I would hop in a cool shower. It was really refreshing!
Use cool rags
This is a good option for a quick cool down whether you’re inside or outside. If you’re going out, you can pack some wet rags in your cooler.
Beware of mosquitoes
Get some mosquito spray or avoid going out when there’s lots of mosquitos.
According to this study, pregnant women are bit more frequently by mosquitos and they believe it’s because pregnant women take more frequent breaths which means they’re exhaling carbon dioxide more often. Mosquitos are drawn to carbon dioxide.
Plus pregnant women usually have higher body temperatures making them easier for mosquitos to find.
Not only are mosquito bites annoying, they also carry diseases so you want to be cautious.
If you know you’re going to be out during a time when there’s mosquitos or an area filled with mosquitoes, get some repellent.
DEET sprays are said to be safe to use during pregnancy so long as you’re using them as directed. (you know…don’t bathe in it).
Final thoughts
A summer pregnancy is hard because you’re hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable, (I’ve been super pregnant both times in the summer so I know this discomfort well).
But there are things you can do to make being out in the hot weather more bearable.
Water is key! Drink it, be near it, and use it to stay cool. That along with these other summer pregnancy survival tips will help you enjoy the summer!
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