With the summer heat in full blaze and ever-rising temperatures, it’s even more important during the summer months that you take care of your health and body as an expecting mother, especially considering that August is the most popular month for birthdays, according to the CDC. While you are probably eager to welcome your new baby to the world, you should make sure to take extra precautions in the months leading up.
Summer Pregnancy Tip #1: Stay hydrated
It’s especially important that you’re staying hydrated in the summer heat while you’re pregnant. Being dehydrated when you’re expecting can increase your risk of headaches, constipation, more swelling, or, in extreme cases, experiencing contractions. So in addition to the 8 glasses of water that’s recommended for everyone, you have to think about replacing the water you’re losing when you’re sweating. It’s not just hotter outside; pregnant women are hotter by nature. In the first trimester, the progesterone hormone increases your body temperature.
But, water can get a little boring so get creative with your water intake. Try smoothies with lots of ice, frozen fruit, and a little yogurt. Or maybe take the smoothie, freeze it, and turn it into a refreshing popsicle.
Summer Pregnancy Tip #2: Stay cool in comfy, breathable clothes
It is important that you stay cool during your pregnancy and this means not only cranking up the AC to match your level of comfort but also wearing clothes that allow your body to breathe and keep your sweat to a minimum. Looser silhouettes are a good option and a hat is a great way to top off an outfit and reduce sun exposure.
Summer Pregnancy Tip #3: Keep your feet elevated
Swelling during pregnancy is practically inevitable because when you’re expecting, your body produces 50% more fluids than when you’re not pregnant, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Standing for extended periods of time will only make the swelling worse but sitting with your feet kicked up on an elevated surface can help to alleviate the discomfort. Bear in mind that very salty foods can make you swell even more especially when paired with pregnancy and heat, so you may want to avoid salty foods to keep from further exacerbating it.
Summer Pregnancy Tip #4: Wear comfortable shoes
There are so many summer shoes out there that are just not pregnancy-friendly because they don’t provide enough support for your feet. If you choose sandals, we recommend a pair that cradles your foot and can be adjusted as your feet swell and shrink. Flip flops and some other sandal styles don’t provide enough arch support and as your belly grows, you are more likely to have back pain and supportive shoes help to prevent that.
Summer Pregnancy Tip #5: Lather on the sunscreen
Sun protection is always key but because your skin has increased sensitivity to the sun during pregnancy, it’s especially important that you are applying and reapplying non-chemical sunscreen regularly. Exposure to the sun can not only cause dehydration, but it can also worsen melasma or the skin hyperpigmentation that can often come with pregnancy.
Summer Pregnancy Tip #6: Plan your outdoor time
As tempting as it may be, now is not the time to be lying on the beach on the hottest days. If you are going to the beach, do so in short intervals in the early morning or evenings so as to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
Swimming is a great form of exercise while pregnant: it’ll cool you down, reduce swelling in your joints, and give you that weightless feeling that takes some of that pressure away. But be careful what pools you’re swimming in, only pools that are clean and don’t reek of chlorine.
Other gentle forms of exercise are a great idea as long as you are, once again, doing them when the temperatures are cooler. A gentle morning hike or gardening session in the morning or an hour of prenatal yoga in a well-ventilated studio midday are great.