Women's Health
7 Ways to Keep Cool During a Summer Pregnancy
Jun
Pregnancy can be uncomfortable, no matter what season. But, the summer heat can make it even more difficult to feel comfortable and not miserable during your pregnancy—especially that third trimester! It is hard to feel comfortable in the heat, so your main focus will probably be staying cool.
Here are seven things you can do to stay cool while pregnant this summer!
1- Drink a lot of water/cool drinks
Dehydration is especially dangerous during pregnancy. Severe dehydration, while you are pregnant, can lead to serious complications such as low amniotic fluid, birth defects, and preterm labor (1). While you are pregnant, you will need more water than you did before. Not only does water help form the placenta—which provides essential nutrition to your baby—but it also helps form the amniotic sac (1).
A common sign of dehydration is overheating. If you feel yourself getting hot, drink some water! Another common sign is dark yellow urine. This will also be a sign that you need to drink more water.
Just for the sake of cooling off, try other cool drinks! Whip yourself up a smoothie. Not only will that help keep you cool, you will get a good helping of fruits and veggies.
2- Limit your time in the heat
Not only will this help prevent dehydration, it will protect your skin and help you stay cool. This does not mean you have to spend your summer indoors. Just make sure that if you are outside, spend some time in the shade and don’t spend a long period of time in direct sunlight.
If you are out enjoying the sun, make sure you have a lot to drink and something to fan yourself off with!
3- Choose walking as your exercise
Walking has multiple benefits while you are pregnant. For one, it can help keep you and your baby at a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy. For another, it can help reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It also has emotional benefits as it can help relieve stress.
Since you will want to stay cool and comfortable during the summer, walking is a great exercise option. It doesn’t have to be too intense and doesn’t have to make you overheat like other forms of cardio or exercise might. Walking also helps relieve pain and discomfort during pregnancy. It is a great way to stretch your legs and ease the discomfort that is often caused by sitting and lack of movement.
4- Snack on fruit
Fruit seems to taste better in the summer. Snacking on fruit is a great way to stay hydrated. Some fruits that are extra hydrating include
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Apples
- Mangoes
- Grapefruit
- Strawberries
- Oranges
If you can, eat the fruit cold. This will not only help curb cravings and the munchies but will help keep you cool.
5- Wear breathable clothing
Loose, breathable clothing is key to staying cool comfortable. Lightweight maternity dresses are always a great way to keep you cool. If you don’t like wearing dresses, opt for loose, light shirts and pants. Cropped maternity pants work wonders because they help keep your legs cool. Choose pants that are stretchy at the top.
6- Take a swim!
Swimming is a summer staple and is the best way to keep cool, pregnant or not. Swimming while pregnant can help
- Reduce swelling
- Keep you cool
- Relieve pain, aches, and tension
- Reduce blood pressure (if needed), and
- Relieve stress.
If you plan to swim this summer, here are a few things to remember:
- Do not spend too much time in direct sunlight.
- Step or slide into the pool, do not dive or jump!
- Stay hydrated.
- Watch your step. You don’t want to slip and fall on the pool deck.
7- Switch from oven to grill
You will probably have your air conditioner on high all summer long. But having your oven or stove on will quickly heat up your home. Instead of using your oven, switch to the grill! This will help keep your house cool which will make for a more comfortable pregnancy for you. You can grill anything from chicken to corn-on-the-cob to homemade pizza to burgers to shish kabobs.
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1- http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/dehydration-pregnancy/
