Summer can get hot and uncomfortable for many people, but when you’re pregnant it can be even worse. Keeping cool during your summer pregnancy is going to be a huge priority for you. These tips can help you stay cool and comfortable even as the weather heats up.
Hydration
Staying properly hydrated during your pregnancy is extremely important always, but you might find that you need to drink more water if your pregnancy falls during the summer months. As the weather is warmer, you’ll probably be sweating more, and can become dehydrated quicker than you think.
Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. During the summer months, aim to drink two more glasses on top of that. Try to keep a bottle of water beside your bed, so that you can sip it if you wake during the night.
At Home
Even if you stay in the house, you may find the heat makes you feel very uncomfortable. These tips can help you to feel a little cooler and more comfortable.
- Wear light coloured clothing. Also, try to stick to natural fabrics like cotton and linen if you can. It’s always a good idea to go for light layers that you can remove or add as needed.
- Keep your windows and curtains closed when the sun is at its strongest. You can open the windows before 10am and after 4pm to let air through your home.
- If you can, try to stay indoors during the hours of 10am to 4pm. Try to avoid the sun when it’s at its hottest.
- Avoid hot or cold baths and showers. Instead, stick to lukewarm water.
- Rest when you feel you need to. If this means taking a nap during the warmest hours of the day, do that. Try to keep your bedroom, or wherever you want to rest, cool and comfortable.
- Any time you are resting, elevate your feet. It may help reduce any swelling in your ankles and feet.
- Be mindful of your salt intake. Reducing your salt intake can help you with water retention and hydration.
Outside Your Home
Obviously, being pregnant doesn’t mean you can, or should, just stay at home all the time. You will need and want to go outside, but these tips can help keep you comfortable when you do.
- Use sunscreen. During pregnancy, your skin may be more sensitive than usual, so increase the SPF that you normally use. You need an SPF of at least factor 15, but factor 30 would be better. You should also make sure that the sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection. You might also want to try a mineral sunscreen, as they’re very beneficial for sensitive skin.
- Wear loose fitting, light coloured clothes. Again, try to stick with natural fabrics, and wear light layers that you can adjust as you need to.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Look for shoes that will support your feet and help keep them cool.
- You should also make sure that you wear a sun hat and sunglasses.
- Take a spray bottle of water to spritz yourself with, or a small personal fan with you.
- Keep a bottle of water with you at all times, and make sure that you stay hydrated.
Exercise
You can still exercise during your pregnancy. However, try to exercise only in the early morning, late afternoon, or early evening to try to avoid times of high heat. It might be best to think about reducing the amount or modifying the type of exercise you do if it’s feeling a bit too much. If you would normally run, change that to a walk. You could also try changing your exercise routine to swimming instead. The water can help support your bump, and help you cool off as well.
