7 Tips for a Successful Summer Pregnancy

Pregnant women need to take extra precautions during summer. This is because the high temperature poses an added risk. It's a good idea to follow a few of these tips for a successful summer pregnancy.
7 Tips for a Successful Summer Pregnancy

Last update: 26 March, 2019

Making it through the final trimester of pregnancy during summer, just as the baby’s weight increases, is a challenge. We’ll give you some advice here on how to make it through your summer pregnancy with energy and vitality.

Sun exposure, insect bites, and dehydration are three factors that can make pregnancy unbearable. The heat increases blood flow, consequently increasing pregnant women’s body heat. This is a difficult combination to endure.

Tips for a successful summer pregnancy

High temperatures lead to fatigue and apathy when you’re pregnant during the summer.

However, the positive mood associated with summer does have its advantages. Consider the following tips for surviving your summer pregnancy in style:

Stay hydrated

The general rule is to drink two liters (34 ounces) of water, or the equivalent of eight glasses. Likewise, drinking isotonic beverages will help you recover the mineral salts you lose through sweat.

Drinking plenty of liquids, including orange juice or milk, will help reduce fluid retention in your body. Additionally, it will help you cool down, eliminate toxins, and prevent edemas.

Weather-appropriate clothing

Wear loose, comfortable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen. Avoid tight clothes. This will help you avoid skin infections caused by sweat accumulating in the fold of clothing.

Additionally, protect yourself from the sun’s rays by wearing sunglasses and a hat. Choose comfortable shoes to avoid back and leg pain. Try to avoid wearing synthetic fabrics, or clothes made with lycra or elastic.

7 Tips for a Successful Summer Pregnancy

Protect your skin from the sun

During the summer, use sunscreen with a high UV-protection factor to protect yourself from UV rays. 

Always use sunscreen on your face and body before exposure to the sun, especially if you get wet. In fact, you should always put on sunscreen even if you’re going to stay in the shade.

Hormonal changes plus sun exposure increases melanin production, which contributes to the onset of melasma. Therefore, avoid exposing yourself to the sun during the middle of the day and your summer pregnancy will be safer and healthier.

Exercise in moderation

Exercise is very important. It doesn’t just keep you in shape, it also give you energy. During summer, going for walks, doing pilates, or going swimming are all safe summer activities if you’re pregnant.

Swimming burns calories and reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve. It additionally relieves your body from the extra weight and helps cool you down.

“Drinking plenty of liquids, including orange juice or milk, will help reduce fluid retention in your body. Additionally, it helps you cool down, eliminate toxins, and prevent edemas.”

Eat fruit and vegetables

Nutritionists recommend that pregnant women eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein. Fruit have high water and fiber content. This makes them refreshing and thirst-quenching. 

These foods also help you to get the vitamins and minerals you need for your health and that of your baby. It also helps alleviate some of the annoyances of pregnancy, such as constipation, water retention, and swelling. 

Refresh yourself, inside and out

You have the perfect excuse to enjoy a delicious smoothie, and if it’s gluten and sugar free, so much the better. You can have it without regret. You can also eat ice cream and drink soda.

To avoid getting bored at home, go out to walk through the mall, or enjoy a movie in theaters. You’ll be entertained in a cool environment.

Take advantage of these different options to reduce your body temperature and make it through your summer pregnancy.

Try massages with cold gels, swimming in the pool, and being in air-conditioned locations. You can also try putting a cool damp cloth on your neck or forehead to reduce sweating.

7 Tips for a Successful Summer Pregnancy

Take care of insect bites

One of the dangers that summer brings is insect bites. Certain insects can transmit illnesses and harm your fetus. 

To avoid insect bites if you’re in the country or a forest, wear long, brightly-colored clothing. This helps you see insects and ticks easily. If you’re going to use insect repellent, do so carefully, in small quantities, and only on your clothing.

If you do get bitten, apply anti-itch cream. See a doctor to get the appropriate treatment depending on the case.

As you see, being pregnant in the summer doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Just by following these tips you’ll be able to fully enjoy this beautiful time.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.