Hot and Pregnant - Summer Survival Guide

A summer pregnancy isn't the easiest type of pregnancy to experience. You think it will be a time of joy and bliss, and that you will have that natural 'pregnancy' glow and shiny hair, but then you end up with matted hair, swelling, and a very very tired body.

How can you survive the summer months and stay cool so that you can fully enjoy your pregnancy? What can you do to protect yourself from the intense heat?

Stay In or Go Outdoors

Stay indoors if the heat level is too high in your neighborhood. If the heat exceeds the temperature of 90 degree Fahrenheit, stay inside and keep cool near a portable fan or air conditioner. When temperatures are cooler during the early mornings, it is the best time to get out and get fresh air. It will also be much more comfortable for you and there will be no danger of heat exhaustion.

Keep Water on You at All Times

When you are pregnant, you can become very dehydrated and if it is very hot outside you are bound to sweat more and lose more water, not to mention much needed electrolytes. Make sure you have plenty of water with you at all times of the day. Pack a water bottle for the day and refill it constantly. Keep hydrated!

Keep in Light Color Clothing

Don't wear black when heading outdoors. Any dark colours will attract the sun and make you get hotter faster. Wear linens and white, creams, pinks, peaches and yellows and you will stay much cooler.

Watch Out for BBQs

While attending a barbecue is always fun during the summer, watch out for leftover food like macaroni and potato salads, fruits or salads with creamy dressings. Some food may have been left there for quite some time and could cause you to feel ill afterwards. Keep to juicy burgers, fried chicken and cool drinks with a lot of ice.

Apply Sunscreen

Women who are pregnant can endure all sorts of skin reactions when out in the sun for too long. Make sure you apply sunscreen before leaving your house and after one or two hours reapply.

Rest Those Tired Feet

When you feel the least bit tired and if you have been walking for some time, put your feet up. It is important to keep your circulation flowing so you can keep moving while carrying your little one. Pregnant women get much more tired during the summer months because of the heat.

Reduce Your Sodium Intake

This one is very important. If you don't want to swell up too much during the hotter days of summer, try using less salt on your food. It will do wonders and keep your level of water retention down. (And, don't forget to remove your rings, because if you do swell, they may cause pain to your fingers. Believe me, I'm speaking from experience!)

Take Those Siestas!

Pregnant women need a lot of sleep and during the summer, it can be exhausting. Take little naps in the afternoon whenever possible. Otherwise, you'll be kicking yourself when your little one is born, knowing that you didn't take the time to sleep more. Siesta time ladies!

Immerse Yourself in Water

The best way to stay cool during the summer is to spend time in the pool or ocean whenever possible. For some pregnant women, the idea of getting into a bikini while they are pregnant may terrify them, but when it comes down to it, it's all about keeping you and your baby cool and at a safe temperature during hot days.

Ask for Help

If you have a million things to do before baby arrives, ask your friends and family for help whenever possible. The more racing around you are doing during the hot summer months, the more tired you will feel. Both mentally and physically. It's time to reach out.