Summer and pregnancy don?t necessarily sound like the best combination; however, the two can go together just fine if you follow a few summer pregnancy tips. With some planning and adherence to these summer pregnancy tips, you will not only survive this summer pregnant, but enjoy it!?
Stay Hydrated
We cannot overstress the importance of hydration. Stay hydrated! Water performs so many essential functions, including helping to keep your body cool and decrease water retention. Nobody wants to be bloated and overheated while pregnant.?
It is recommended that you drink at least 2.5 liters per day, especially in the summer months. If you are exercising, you will need more, and if you are sweating profusely, you may want to consider an electrolyte replacement drink as well.?
The best way to ensure that you are staying properly hydrated during pregnancy is to check your urine. If it?s pale yellow, you?re good to go, but any darker, you need more water!?
Stay Cool
This may seem like a somewhat obvious summer pregnancy tip, but if you don?t have air conditioning at home, it may require some careful planning. Try to spend as much time as you can in air-conditioned environments, especially in the early to mid-afternoon.?
Indoor pools are a great way to beat the heat and avoid the sun as well. Using a spray bottle to spritz yourself with cool water or applying a cold cloth to the back of your neck can also help.?
During pregnancy, your body temperature is a bit higher than normal, making you more susceptible to heat intolerance. In addition, the baby?s body temperature is slightly higher than yours. While your body has the ability to regulate its temperature by sweating, your baby?s does not, so you have to stay cool for both of you.
Be Careful in the Sun
As well as your body?s heat tolerance, pregnancy also comes with a high dose of sun intolerance. Your skin?s increased sensitivity to the sun puts you at risk of exacerbating melasma: hyperpigmentation of the skin that can develop during pregnancy. And sunburn can cause not only discomfort but also dehydration.
You can still enjoy the beach during your pregnancy, just use caution. Avoid the sun?s peak hours by going in the early morning or later in the afternoon. Stay in the shade as much as possible and bring an umbrella or sun hat for extra protection. Always use a non-chemical sunscreen like zinc oxide to protect your skin. And if it?s very hot, keep your beach time a little bit shorter.?
Take a Siesta
This one is definitely an all-time favorite summer pregnancy tip!?
Let your system recuperate and recharge while you snooze through the hottest part of the day. Making a person is hard work; making a person in the summer heat is even harder. Make pregnancy in summer a little easier on yourself by resting in the early afternoon after lunch.
Eat for the Heat
Pregnancy cravings are hard to resist, but eating for the heat will make you more comfortable in the long run. Reduce your sodium intake; it will cause you unnecessary discomfort in the form of bloating in your face and limbs. Include lots of fresh fruits and veggies in your diet to help you meet your daily nutritional requirements and also help keep yourself hydrated. Have lighter meals more often; that won?t increase your metabolism or your body heat.?
Put Your Feet up
Staying active and walking help reduce edema, but idle standing or sitting with legs down will make it worse. When you are at rest, elevate your feet to help keep swelling to a minimum. You can also put a cold towel over your legs for added benefit.
The summer heat can be dangerous for anybody, but pregnant women need to be careful as they are at an increased risk. That being said, you can still enjoy the benefits of summer while being pregnant. As long as you keep in mind these summer pregnancy tips, there is no reason you and baby can?t have a great summer!
If you have questions or would like more information, please call our Wilmette or Glenview offices. If you have other pregnancy related questions, lease feel free to look through our obstetrics blog library. We add to it regularly.
