Without question, pregnancy has its ups and downs, but during the hot summer months it can feel impossible for your body to adjust. Extra blood flow causes higher than normal body temperatures, then add on a few extra pounds, combined with 90 degree temperatures and the term “bun in the oven” is going to start to feel literal. Luckily there are a few tips for mommys-to-be on how to stay cool this summer without racking up sky high air conditioning bills.
1. Go for frequent swims
The best way for anyone to cool off in the hot summer weather is by swimming, but for our mommys-to-be it doesn’t just do that it also takes some pressure off the sciatic nerve and lets her relax and float seemingly weightlessly for a little while.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking lots of fluids is always important for expecting mothers but during the hot summer months it can be easier to get dehydrated. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to increased risk for preterm labor, early contractions, and an overall increase in pregnancy aches. In addition to at least 8 glasses of water a day, pregnant women should also be drinking plenty of sports drinks, milk, and orange juice to replenish electrolytes and stay refreshed in the hot sun!
3. Adjust your wardrobe
Keeping your closet filled with lightweight, breathable clothes made from fabrics such as cotton or linen is a tremendous help when you’re stuck in the heat. They help circulate air, keeping sweat stains and heat rashes to a minimum- plus they are just more comfortable.
4. Stick to comfortable shoes
When the summer months come around, it’s hard to not want to get out your wedges, sandals, and flip flops but those shoes may just not be practical for your comfort these days. Make sure to wear comfortable and supportive shoes that are larger than your normal size to make room for some swelling.
5. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses (or five)
For those mornings you aren’t feeling your best (cause morning sickness isn’t hard enough now it’s in 85 degree weather), giving your eyes a rest from the bright sun can do wonders.
6. Treat yourself to a massage
The fluid that causes swelling, especially in your hands, feet, and ankles, often gets worse in the hot summer weather so make sure to prop your feet up and treat yourself to a professional pregnancy massage every now and then to help soothe some of the aches and pains.
7. Avoid excess sodium
While it’s important not to cut out sodium altogether, reducing some of your sodium intake can help with some of the heat-induced swelling.
8. Opt for stay-cations rather than vacations
Long road trips in hot weather with a pregnant belly can be very uncomfortable and sometimes stressful on mommys-to-be. So instead of trying to go on lots of trips this summer, keep your vacations closer to home. Use your time off to do everything you’d do on a real vacation, just in the comfort of your own home. I had a family friend who referred to this as a “stay-cation”.
9. Lounge as much as possible
This is your time to relax and kickback before the baby comes, because once your baby has arrived you won’t be doing much relaxing! So spend time with the husband, read your trashy magazines, watch your guilty pleasure shows, lounge by the pool, go for walks, and so on.
10. Hit the mall
The heat outside can make you not want to leave your house- but we don’t recommend hiding out at home for three months. Instead hit the mall, a place known to blast air conditioning. This way you can still stay cool and indoors without being confined to your house. Maybe you can even get a little baby shopping done!
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