As temperatures break the 90s, there’s no denying that summer is definitely here to stay.
If you’ve got a bun in the oven, you might feel like you’re in the oven yourself as it becomes more difficult to stay comfortable. Being pregnant in the summer isn’t for the faint of heart, but when you take some precautions it can definitely be a little easier to keep your cool.
Aside from the discomfort of being super sweaty in the summertime, heat stroke is a real danger. Many women don’t realize the dangers of heatstroke while pregnant and keeping cool can actually be keeping them safe.
Here’s some of our go-to tips and tricks for the moms to be as they beat the heat on their summer retreat.
Shun From the Sun
While pregnant, your skin is actually more susceptible for UV damage. Avoiding the sun while it’s at it’s most intense can dramatically reduce your risks of sunburn and sun poisoning. Keep your sun exposure to a minimun and go outside in the morning or evening before it gets too overwhelming. Beware of sun reflecting off a water’s surface while you’re taking a dip in the pool or wading in the ocean. Last but not least, don’t forget to slather on that SPF!
Dress to De-Stress
It might seem like a no brainer, but dressing to keep cool is at the top of our summer pregnancysurvival guide. Keep fabrics loose and flowy to avoid chafing and encourage the passing breezes to cool you down. Dresses are your best friend and maxi dresses will keep those sweaty legs from sticking to the chair! Light colors and linen fabrics will absorb less sun and let your body cool itself naturally by wicking away moisture. Not to mention the biggest benefit of a long dress is to go underwear-free undetected, avoiding pregnancy wedgies all together. You might even find that your feet are swelling more than ever and a comfortable pair of flip flops will keep those piggies sweat-free.
What About Water?
Swimming won’t just cool you down quick but it doubles as an awesome prenatal exercise. If you don’t have a pool, take a page from summer pregnant moms everywhere and pick up a kiddie pool. You’d be surprised how much you’ll fall in love with your kiddie pool. Carry a spray bottle of water around to mist your neck, face and feet when you start feeling overwhelmed or overheated. When all else fails, take plenty of cool showers throughout the day to feel fresh and comfortable.
Healthy Hydration
Stay hydrated! Drinking water should be an all-day event and more trips to the bathroom is a small price to pay for staying cool. Sports drinks can help you regain some lost sodium from sweating but too much can keep you retaining water and feeling bloated. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies that have high water content like melon to cool you off and fight the summer fatigue.
You might be pregnant and possibly barefoot this summer, but even when the going gets hot you wouldn’t want it any other way.
Keep an eye on the temperature and never resist the chance to take an afternoon nap in the AC. Always ask for help when it comes to activities that might tire you out or if you start to feel sick while spending time in the sun.
So as we’re welcoming the first heatwave of the year, we’re hoping all our expectant moms out there have a safe, healthy and sweat-free summer!
