Beat the Heat When You’re Expecting

The temperature’s rising and expecting moms will be feeling it more than most! Hormonal changes in pregnancy mean you’re going to be physically warmer anyway so it’s often a real challenge to feel comfortable during the depths of summer. This, in addition to the extra weight of your baby bump and the energy it takes to carry, plus the risks associated with dehydration, exhaustion, and heatstroke makes staying cool and regulated absolutely crucial. Here’s some food for thought to help you beat the heat when you’re expecting…

Make water your best friend

We know you’re sick of hearing this, but it can’t be said often enough! Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water consistently throughout the day. It’s the only way to protect against dehydration. Also, try to choose nutritious foods with high water content such as fruits and salads. Water cools you down instantly so when you’re particularly warm there are a few effective ways to bring your temperature right down: take a cold bath or shower (if you can bare it!), immerse your feet in a bowl of cold water, spritz your body with hydrating spray, or apply a wet flannel to your forehead. Swimming is also a great way to stay cool during the summer, with the added benefit of helping you stay active too!  

Keep the air moving

Keep the air circulating in your home with standing and ceiling fans and buy a mini fan for when you’re on the move. Also, be sure to choose the loosest clothing in light and natural materials to absorb heat and perspiration better and let your skin breathe. Indoors, it’s good to surround yourself with house plants as they are thought to replenish and cool the air. Another good tip is to switch your electrical items from standby to the off option as they generate a lot of heat when on standby (and you’ll be saving energy, too!)

Embrace the shade

Another obvious one but like our first tip, it must be said! Turn your back on the sun and try to stay indoors and relax this summer - particularly during hottest times of day. Even if you are a sun lover, don’t sit in strong sunlight at all if you can help it. If you decide to do so, use higher SPF (50+) sunblock as you can get sun damage easier during pregnancy.  Always opt for shade, wear a sunhat, use a parasol… whatever you must do to avoid those rays! Make sure you keep inside your home – especially your bedroom – as cool as possible by minimizing direct sunlight. So, keep those curtains and blinds closed throughout the day to make it as cool as possible (as bearable as possible!) at night.