10 Cool Tips for Surviving a Summer Pregnancy

Being pregnant in the summer is no joke, especially during your second and third trimesters.

When added to your current discomfort, the heat can prove to be nearly unbearable.

Don't lose hope; there are many things you can do to make sure your summer little more comfortable.

Here are 10 cool tips for surviving a summer pregnancy.

1. Wear light clothing

• Wearing light and breathable clothing will prevent you from over-heating and sweating too much.
• You will also avoid uncomfortable heat rashes.
• Cotton, Linen, Chambray and Gauze are great fabrics to wear during the summer months.

2. Get a handheld fan

• This is a must-have! Keep a handheld fan in your purse, in your car and at your home.
• It can be electric or a folding paper fan. Think of it as your immediate way to cool off when heat strikes and there is no a/c in sight.

3. Hangout indoors

• Staying indoors is a great way to keep from over-exposure to the heat when you’re pregnant.
• You can spend time relaxing, reading a good book, watching TV and if you’re feeling energized, go for a walk at an indoor mall.

The possibilities are endless for either an active or relaxing indoor time.

4. Stay hydrated

• We can’t stress this one enough. Drink lots of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
• You want to avoid feeling weak or loosing your balance due to dehydration.
• Keep a water bottle at hand; one with a built-in filter is especially handy since you can get water from the nearest tap anytime, anywhere.

5. Wear sunscreen

• Anytime you go outdoors, you should be wearing sunscreen.
• Protect your skin from uncomfortable sunburns with at least an SPF 50 or higher.

6. Go swimming

• What better way to cool off than with a good swim!
• Put on your swimsuit, lather on the sunscreen and head to the pool or beach for a swimmingly great time.

7. Eat less sodium

• Too much sodium can cause swelling, so try to reduce your sodium intake a little bit during the summer.

8. Take off your rings

• Before it gets too hot and your body naturally swells up, be sure to take off your rings.
• Your hands and feet are usually the first body parts to swell up and you want to avoid getting rings stuck and giving you unnecessary pain.

9. Wear comfy shoes

• It’s important to be as comfortable as possible at all times.
• Wearing comfortable shoes that are not tight will prevent you from feeling pain if your feet swell up.

10. Wear a neck cooler

• Your neck and head can hold a lot of heat when it’s hot outside.
• Wearing a neck cooler or summer scarf is a great way to bring the temperature down and cool you off for longer periods of time.
• There are many DIY and purchase options for excellent neck coolers online.

STAY COOL!