8 awesome ways to rock and enjoy a summer pregnancy
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Having a summer pregnancy can be a bit uncomfortable and not fun at all. Think about it, pregnant women already have hot flashes as it is and then add the summer heat to that, it ain’t pretty sister! All three of my children were born in July and even though I practically didn’t have a summer pregnancy; it sure felt like it with the New York heat. These tips to survive a summer pregnancy will give you awesome ideas to enjoy it!
Being pregnant in the summer can have it’s downs but it can also have it’s ups. While I was pregnant, I found ways to cool off and I actually enjoyed my pregnancy during the summer. Hey! it beats having to wear a sweater and a coat during the winter, right?
So, yes it is possible to enjoy and survive a summer pregnancy because these awesome and helpful tips that I’m going to share with you are vital, practical and fun in doing so. It’s super helpful to beat the summer heat while pregnant.
Can summer heat effect pregnancy?
It can! Pregnant women may feel more uncomfortable and irritable with the hot summer heat.
What temperature is too hot for pregnancy?
“Pregnant women who have a body temperature above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit are at greater risk for heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration.” (source)
Are you ready to rock and survive your pregnancy during the summer?
8 awesome ways to rock and survive a summer pregnancy
1.Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is super important for everyone to do during the summer but most importantly if you’re pregnant. Make sure you carry a water bottle with you wherever you go because being dehydrated while pregnant is a serious problem.
“Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to serious pregnancy complications, including neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid, inadequate breast milk production, and even premature labor” (source)
Quick story:
My friend who was pregnant around the same time that I was, got dehydrated and fainted right in the middle of a shopping mall. This is something that you want to avoid. You can also drink gatorade to keep hydrated or any other fun drinks like this delicious watermelon lemonade and water infused with fruits!
2.Keep cool indoors
Try your best to avoid the sun during its peak hours. It is unbelievable how uncomfortable you will feel when the sun is beaming right in front of your face. You wouldn’t want to have a heat stroke, so instead stay indoors with the air conditioner on while you relax for a while. If you need to go out, I suggest going to places where you know there will be air conditioner, like the mall or a movie theater.
3.Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes
I honestly loved being pregnant during the summer because I used to live on leggings and maxi dresses. How comfortable are maxi dresses to wear and how cute are they? Always wear clothes that you can comfortably walk in and feel good wearing. Maxi dresses and leggings are so versatile because you can literally wear them all day in your house and then you can dress them up if you’re going out. Wearing loose clothing beats the heat during the summer and don’t forget to wear your sunglasses!
Pregnancy books to read:
4.Eat fruits, yogurts and frozen drinks
Eating fruits is a great way to stay hydrated and a great way to refresh yourself during those hot summer days. With both of my pregnancies, I would eat watermelon every single day. It was so refreshing and the perfect snack to munch on. I also enjoyed sipping on fun frozen drinks like this virgin piña colada. I really think that eating fruits, yogurts and drinking frozen drinks makes it that much easier to enjoy and survive a summer pregnancy.
5.Wear sunscreen
Since the sun seems to be beaming full force during the summer, it’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen or sunblock. You can always consult with your doctor to give you a guide of what sunscreen will be best for you! Protect yourself from the sun. Try to avoid sunscreen that has chemicals, it’s best to use sunscreens with minerals and zinc oxide etc.
6.Spray bottle with water
This is such a great idea to keep cool during a summer pregnancy. All you have to do is fill a pray bottle with cold water and pray it on your face every time you feel like you need it. You’ll be surprise how fun and effective this little spray of water is in keeping you cool during the summer heat.Oh and I also recommend having a paper fan at hand just incase you are outdoors and feel the heat and need to cool off.
7.Keep your feet elevated
Keeping your feet elevated helps you relax and also helps with reducing your swollen feet. It is believed that edema gets worst during the summer and so you need to take precaution. Reducing sodium intake helps reduce swollen feet and combat water retention.
8.Comfortable shoes
Let your feet breathe by wearing comfortable shoes like sandals, flip flops ( unless your feet are swollen) and even sneakers! You will be glad you did.
Other fun ways to rock and survive your summer pregnancy
- Enjoy a pool day
- Go to the movie theaters
- Stay in the shade if the heat is overwhelming for you
- Go to a restaurant
- Run errands in the morning or afternoon when the sun it’s not at it’s peak
- Take cold showers
Having a summer pregnancy can be brutal only if you let it. You can definitely enjoy and survive a summer pregnancy by making a few changes to your daily routine.
Make sure to stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, eat a refreshing snack and stay cool indoors!
You got this mama and I have no doubt that you will welcome the summer heat like a pregnant boss 🙂
These are great tips! I’ve only had to go through the end of pregnancy in the summer once, but it was brutal! These tips sure would have helped!
Chelsea @ Life With My Littles recently posted…5 Tips for Moving Your Baby to Their Own Room
You know, I never enjoyed being pregnant. My aunt on the other hand, LOVED all of her pregnancies and her body, but I just never felt like myself so it was tough!
These are great tips though because being pregnant in the summer can be brutal, especially here in Texas!
Crystal recently posted…13 Spring Break Activities for Kids
Thanks for the tips, Ros Emely. There were some that I didn’t even think of doing, like the spray bottle! Great idea. (couple times I saw pray, I love to pray away too 😉 I love pina colada’s, so I can’t wait to try your recipe. I’m due in May so this list will definitely come in handy as the heat here in LA has already risen from 50 degrees to 85 degrees in just a couple weeks.
Nicole recently posted…5 Helpful Links and Tips on Planning a Wedding.
Thank you Chelsea!! Yes having asummer pregnancy is brutal. I’m so happy you find these tips helpful:)
Awww Crystal, don’t tell me that! I’m just like your aunt because I truly enjoyed both of my pregnancies minus the morning sickness..lol. but thank you I’m glad you found my tips helpful.
Thank you Nicole! Aww congratulations and yes spray away every time you need to. It really makes a difference! I can imagine LA summer, here in New YORK gets crazy hot. I wish you a happy and healthy delivery 🙂
This is a great list! I was pregnant last summer and always tried to do errands in the morning before it got too hot. I also lived in flip flops! :). Looking forward to trying your piña colada recipe!