Carrying a baby is hard work, no matter the weather. All the while, summer is upon us with its brightest face. Are you ready for the warmer weather the season brings? Extreme heat is uncomfortable for pregnant women and can create specific health and safety risks.
Whether you’re planning a home birth or leaning toward a hospital delivery, a little seasonal planning can help prevent headaches and hassles caused by overheating. Consider these pregnancy tips for hot weather and how to stay cool and comfy.
Know the Warning Signs of Overheating
Pregnancy naturally raises a mom-to-be’s body temperature and can cause augmented swelling and sensitivity to the sun. The heat that comes with summer greater intensifies those effects. For this reason, being knowledgeable about the warning signs of overheating is key. When your body temperature becomes too elevated, you may feel dehydrated, fatigued, sweaty, dizzy, shivery, or physically unwell.
Speak to your healthcare provider or midwife about these symptoms and discuss ways to prevent them. Try your best to avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day, or take a nice dip in a pool or tub to stay cool. Pools and other bodies of water offer an ideal low-key, whole-body exercise that boosts blood circulation and beats the heat.
Prioritize Proper Hydration
Every human body requires a steady intake of fluids, especially during pregnancy and even more so during the peak heat of the year. You’ve likely heard this before, yet the importance of proper hydration is worth repeating. Adequate water intake is essential to help regulate your body temperature during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises drinking 8–12 standard servings of water every day.
Ergo, always keep a chilled water bottle with you when traveling or running errands outdoors, and drink small sips during the day, even if you’re not terribly thirsty. Consuming water-rich foods such as melons, berries, or salads can help too.
Wear the Right Wardrobe
Another hot weather pregnancy tip to keep you cool and comfy this summer is to dress accordingly. While this advice seems obvious, the right clothing choice is everything when you have a baby on board. During the sunniest season, wear looser light-colored clothing in a breathable fabric. Good natural options include cotton, silk, linen, or moisture-wicking material. Layers are a wise idea, even on warmer days, so you can remove or add clothing items for the ultimate comfort. And remember to wear a hat.
To a large extent, following these simple tips can help expectant mothers better handle the heat of the summer season. Keep them in mind to enjoy the sweetness of summertime during this memorable part of life.
