5 Tips to Survive a Summer Pregnancy

It is unbelievably hot.  And some of you are pregnant.  I’ve had a summer pregnancy.  I thought I was going to die!  But there are a few things that can help make it a little more bearable.

1)  Water  I’m talking more water than you ever knew one person could drink.  And then drink some more.  Staying hydrated is important all the time in the heat but especially while you are pregnant.  Getting dehydrated can lead to early labor, low fluid around the baby, and low milk supply after baby is born.  Drink your water!

2)  Loose, Stretchy Clothes  By the end of pregnancy maternity clothes are not fun anymore.  At the beginning it’s pretty fun to have a good excuse to get a whole new wardrobe.  By the end, you’ve worn the same few outfits so many times you can’t stand it.  But when it’s this hot, there are a few things that can make it a little more bearable.  Loose flowing tanks to fit over your every enlarging belly and fold over knit skirts are lifesavers.  Not the maxi ones.  This is no time for a floor length skirt!  The knee length.   

3) Anti Chafe Cream  I know people have mixed results with these but less chafing is better than needing to wear shorts under those skirts and completely undoing their benefits! 

4)  Real Sandals  Yes, flip flops are easy and everyone loves them but a real sandal that’s made to stay on your foot will help you avoid falls and joint injuries.  Since pregnancy affects your balance and all the Relaxin hormone preparing your body for birth makes your joints more prone to injury, flip flops should probably not be your best friend this summer.  No one wants to be hobbling around on a sore ankle while trying to care for a new baby.

5) Air Conditioning  Yes, this is a given in our climate.  But really, when it’s super hot, your best bet is to stay inside.  If you can’t stay inside, make sure to take breaks where you can cool off regularly, sit down, and drink some more water.  Pools or splash parks can make summer easier for pregnant mamas with other children too.  They can play and you can cool off as needed.

Of course today looks like it's going to shape up to be a little cooler than it has been and looking at the forecast, it looks like the temperatures may be more reasonable for the next few weeks. We may find that our hottest days are behind us.  At least we can hope!  May you find these last days of a summer pregnancy just a little less challenging!