7 Tips for Pregnant Women in Summer

It’s quite normal for your body temperature to increase during pregnancy. During the hot season though, the heat can become quite exasperating. There are, however, some practical tips for pregnant women in summer to help cope better with pregnancy and even enjoy it more.

Useful and practical tips for pregnant women in summer

With these simple recommendations, you can minimize the discomfort caused by the hot summer days. Have a read, and put them into practice. You’ll notice the difference!

1. Always stay hydrated

It’s important to drink more water than usual during the summer months if you’re pregnant. The recommended intake of water is more than 8 glasses of fresh water per day. It’s also a good idea to supplement the water with fruit.

Fruit juices and smoothies are very refreshing; you can also choose to eat pieces of fruit at meal times, or for a nice snack. Lemonade and orange and grapefruit juices are also good. Take advantage of seasonal fruits such as peaches, watermelons and strawberries.

Fruits contain a lot of water, and this helps you to avoid fluid retention and prevent swelling. They also provide vitamins, nutrients and fibers that the woman’s body requires during pregnancy.

2. Wear light clothing and appropriate shoes

Use light clothing and breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. By doing this, you’ll minimize sweat stains and you’ll protect yourself from heat rashes just below the chest area, and on the stomach.

Clothes to avoid are synthetic fabrics that stick to your skin and increase the sensation of heat. It’s also advisable that you opt for comfortable shoes, which may be a little larger than your usual size, to avoid causing undue pressure on your feet and ankles. These shouldn’t be too high or too low, to prevent back and leg pain.

3. Stay inside during the hottest hours and get enough rest

Between midday and 5 in the afternoon, make sure you’re in a cool and ventilated place, as the heat in the middle of the day can be suffocating. It’s the best time of the day to rest and relax inside.

In the evening, foam baths and massages with cold gels are a very refreshing option, which will help you rest and sleep well during the night.

4. Keep exercising

Doing moderate exercise is very important for pregnant women in summer. The main reason is that physical activity prevents many adverse conditions and prepares you better for the time of birth. It’s important for your body to be strong and healthy during the summer months, especially if your due date is very near.

5. Take care of your skin during pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause skin sensitivity, which will make it more vulnerable to sun exposure. There can be changes to the skin, such as dark spots appearing on the face and neck.

That’s why it’s essential to use a broad spectrum sunscreen and moisturize the skin daily. Also, as we mentioned before, avoid exposing yourself to the sun during the middle of the day.

6. Cool off on the beach or in the pool

Pregnant women in summer can make good use of the beach, if you live near one. The beach is ideal for walking along the shore and going for a dip in safe areas, not where it gets deep very quickly, or when there are big waves.

Swimming pools are also great for pregnant women. Swimming during pregnancy is highly recommended, and it’ll help you to feel refreshed, get exercise, and rest the weight of your tummy in the water. You shouldn’t dive into the pool, however, and you must take care not to slip when walking around the edge of the pool.

The ideal water temperature should be between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. Always take the necessary precautions against the sun and heat, and take advantage of every moment you can to spend refreshing times by the water, be it on the beach or by the pool.

7. Healthy and light meals during the summer

During the summer months, it’s advisable to eat light meals, such as cold soups, vegetables, salads and fruit. Fresh dairy products, pasta salads, and rice and tomato juice are also recommended.

If you don’t have problems with high sugar levels, then you can treat yourself to ice cream or crushed-ice drinks from time to time. On the other hand, avoid very hot, heavy fatty meals, as these can cause digestive problems, heartburn or indigestion.

Your pregnancy during the summer doesn’t need to be a traumatic time. By following our tips for pregnant women in summer you can avoid feeling uncomfortable and avoid adversely affecting the development of your future baby.