Summer is one of my favorite times of the year!
By the time winter is said and done, I’m practically begging for the heat and sun, and all of the fun that comes with the warmer weather.
Having said that, when you’re pregnant, things can be a different story. Suddenly, you’re carrying and caring for an extra little person inside of you, and the heat and sun seems to really get to you some days. I remember just wanting to lock myself indoors with the air conditioning on full blast!
It’s also important to stay safe.
Dehydration, heat exhaustion and sun damage are all real threats to be careful of when you’re pregnant, and these 14 tips will help you make your summer pregnancy as safe and enjoyable as can be!
Dealing with swelling.
If your feet are swelling up, there are two good ways to reduce it.
Tip #1: First of all, try to reduce your sodium intake. Reducing the amount of salt you eat will in turn reduce swelling. Be careful, though and don’t eliminate salt completely, because it contains iodine, a vital mineral for the growth of a healthy baby.
Tip #2: Keep your feet elevated as much as possible. A bonus of this is that you can relax in a comfy chair, which is one of the best things you can do to beat the summer heat too.
Tip #3: Take your rings off. Unfortunately, your fingers are going to be one of the first places that starts to swell, and as soon as you notice it start to happen, remove them. Otherwise, you may need to have them cut off, and that’s a bummer.
Tip #4: Get the right shoe. Flip-flops might seem like an obvious go-to, but they have awful arch support and I wouldn’t recommend them. Instead, get a good pair of sandals with arch support! I have a guide that lists several great choices for footwear in the summer months.
Beating the heat.
Tip #5: Going for a swim is one of my favorite ways to beat the summer heat! It’s perfectly safe to do when you’re pregnant as long as you don’t get too hot and follow the other advice here.
A great bonus is that being in the water will make you feel weightless, and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can be a great pain-reliever for aching legs.
Tip #6: Stay hydrated. This is super important even if you’re not pregnant, but when you have a baby on board, it’s something you always have to keep in mind.
Always make sure to get enough fluids: it’s recommended to drink eight 8-ounce glasses per day, plus another 8-ounce glass for every hour spent outside in the summer heat.
I recommend getting a good stainless steel water bottle, which is not only perfect to take out and about with you, but even just to drink from at home.
Tip #7: Damp washcloths can really help cool you off when you’re indoors. Put one on your neck or forehead and you’ll instantly feel a LOT better, plus it will make you stop sweating.
Tip #8: I loved going to the mall when I was pregnant and I bet you will too! Malls are usually air-conditioned in the summer months, so they’re super comfy and it also gives you a chance to get some much-needed baby shopping in.
Tip #9: Wear breathable, light clothing. If you’re going to have a summer pregnancy, keep your maternity wardrobe full of comfortable clothes. Go for those made of breathable materials like cotton.
Tip #10: Run errands in the morning. The summer sun is the most tolerable before noon, so if you have things to do that day, doing them as early as possible will let you avoid the peak heat hours of the day.
Tip #11: Make and use a misting bottle. All you have to do is put some cold water in a bottle and spray away! You’ll be surprised at how refreshing it is. If you prefer, you can even add some of your favorite essential oils to the water to give it a nice scent.
Staying safe from the sun.
Tip #12: Get a good sunblock. Maybe it’s just me, but the sun seems to get more brutal by the year, and it’s important to wear sun protection. Get a physical (mineral) based sunblock as opposed to a chemical sunblock, which is much more safe for you. I have a guide on sunblocks for babies, but any of the advice there will apply to you, too.
Tip #13: Wear sunglasses. The sun is also damaging to the eyes, and wearing sunglasses is the best way to avoid it. If you wear prescription glasses, you can even get a pair of prescription sunglasses. If you drive, wearing them is something you’ll definitely love.
Tip #14: Stay in the shade. This one is mostly obvious, but I’d also suggest getting an umbrella for those outings to the beach. The sun is particularly nasty if you’re on the sand!
Summing it up.
Although the sun and heat can be brutal some summer days, as long as you be careful to stay well-hydrated and cool.
And remember: if the heat seems to be getting overwhelming, it’s perfectly fine to retreat indoors for the day! Your safety and comfort is #1, so don’t feel bad if you need to do so.