Being pregnant in the summer months can be miserable. Luckily these tips will help you to survive and even enjoy your summer pregnancy.
Exposure to the sun always comes with risks. However, the danger is far greater when you throw pregnancy into the mix. Pregnant women are more likely to become dehydrated in the summer heat and suffer from a rise in their core temperature.
The summer can be a miserable time when you are heavily pregnant. The heat, the humidity, and the constant sweating. Luckily there are ways you can cope with being pregnant in the summer.
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10 Tips To Survive Being Pregnant In the Summer
Go Swimming
Swimming is great for keeping you cool in the summer. If you are spending a lot of time outdoors try to swim as often as possible.
Swimming is also an ideal form of gentle exercise for pregnant women as it takes the weight off the sciatic nerve.
If you are self conscious about baring all in a bikini there are a huge range of flattering maternity swimsuits available.
It’s All About The Sunscreen
While sunburn and skin cancer are a risk for everyone, there is an added complication for sunbathing while pregnant.
The Mask Of Pregnancy or chloasma is caused by hyperpigmentation of the skin. It usually manifests as dark patches on the forehead, nose, and cheeks.
Chloasma is not directly caused by the sun but can be made worse by prolonged exposure. The patches tend to clear up after pregnancy.
If you have chloasma then it is important to limit your time in the sun and always wear a high factor, pregnancy safe sunscreen.
The best type of sunscreen for pregnancy is one that is factor 30 or higher and contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Use Water To Cool You Down
Water is not only vital for keeping you hydrated it can also be used to cool you down in the summer.
Soak a cloth in cold water and lay it across your forehead to use as a cold compress. This really helped me at night when I got too hot during my pregnancy.
If you are spending a long time outside you could use a cold water spray as a spritz for your face arms and chest.
This water spray not only helps cool you down but hydrates your skin and prevents it from going dry in the sun.
Let Your Clothes Keep You Cool
When you are heavily pregnant in the summer you need to think about what you are wearing in order to stay as cool as possible.
Wear loose, light clothing in breathable fabrics like cotton or rayon. This will reduce the risk of overheating and help prevent heat rashes. Lightweight maternity dresses are perfect for this.
Check out maternity sundresses here.
Hydrate
It is important to stay hydrated while pregnant as your body will need water for amniotic fluid, extra blood and to carry nutrients.
This is especially important if you are pregnant during the summer months. In order to stay hydrated you should be drinking around 2.3 litres of water per day.
If you are spending a long time out in the sun make sure you have some cold water with you. you can also eat foods with a high water content like watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries.
Avoid The Hottest Time Of Day
The hottest time of the day is usually between noon and 3pm so try to stay out of the sun at this time.
If you can’t avoid being outdoors then make sure to sit in the shade. However it would be better to go indoors for a few hours in the afternoon. Take this time to relax and get some rest.
Be Aware Of The Weather When Making Plans
Try and keep a check on how the weather is going to be for as many days ahead as you can. You can then make plans accordingly.
Try not to plan anything too strenuous or outdoorsy if it is going to be extremely hot. Try to keep those for cooler days.
It may seem like a bit of hassle and not very spontaneous but it’s definitely worth it. You will be so glad on burning hot days when you are inside with lovely cool air conditioning.
Take Steps To Reduce Swelling
Swelling during pregnancy is a common problem in late pregnancy. This can be much worse during the summer months. Blood vessels widen to help keep you cool, this can cause fluid to leak into surrounding tissues and cause swelling.
Wear comfortable shoes and try not to walk around at the hottest time of day. Have at least an hours rest during the day and keep your legs elevated when you are lying down.
Don’t stand in one place for long periods and try not to wear tight, constrictive clothing.
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Be Productive In The Morning
Even in the extreme heat life has to go on. Work still needs to be done so if you have a long list of chores try to get as much done as you can in the morning.
It is much cooler at the start of the day and as the day goes on the sun gets heats up. The hotter it is the more drained, tired, and cranky you become.
If you get everything done in the morning you can spend the hottest time of day resting in the shade.
Take A Baby-moon
A baby-moon is your last chance to have some time away before your baby is born. It is also the last time you and your partner will be on vacation child free for quite some time.
One of the worst things about being pregnant in the summer is trying to get through your day to day life with a huge bump in extreme heat.
Going to work, running errands, it’s all exhausting in high temperatures. A baby-moon gives you the chance just to do nothing and relax for a week or two.
As long as you are sensible and take care there is no reason why you can’t enjoy being pregnant in the summer.
