Staying Cool During Your Summer Pregnancy

Being pregnant when the temperature rises can make even the most cheerful pregnant woman a little grumpy and uncomfortable. Here are some quick and easy solutions you can do to help you get yourself through those hot summer days and nights with a little more comfortable and make a summer pregnancy something to celebrate.

Wearing clothing that is made of natural fibers (cotton/linen) versus synthetic fabrics can go a long way to keeping your body cool, allowing you to perspire and release the heat versus trapping it all in as your body does its best to thermoregulate to cool itself down when the temperature rises. Light colors can also help give you a psychological advantage and tend to absorb less of the sun’s hot rays.

When you are out and about outside, consider sporting a nice floppy hat as a cooling addition to your summer wardrobe. Besides keeping the sun out of your eyes and from shining directly in your face, a wide-brimmed hat can help you to feel cooler and prevent the strong summer sun from heating up the top of your head and hair, making you uncomfortably hot on those sunny, warm days.

Staying hydrated while pregnant is always a good idea, but when the temperature rises, making sure that your fluid intake is sufficient can be a challenge. Consider putting a slice of lemon and some mint leaves, or a few pieces of your favorite summertime fruit into your water bottle to encourage you to take frequent sips. A slice of cucumber-infused in your water is also very refreshing. Preparing several water bottles in advance and keeping them chilling in the fridge ready to grab and go will also make it easy to stay hydrated when the mercury climbs.

Finding the time to take a swim in a local pool, lake or beach can really help to refresh your pregnant body and mind on a warm summer day. In addition to offering a chance to cool your body, the water goes a long way in reducing swelling in your lower legs and feet, offers you an opportunity for some gentle exercise and gives you the feeling of lightness as the buoyancy helps reduce the sensation of being “very” pregnant. Don’t worry about wearing a bathing suit while pregnant, there can be lots of creative solutions.

If you cannot go swimming, consider a shower or bath with lukewarm water versus the normal temperature you are used to. This lower water temperature can help provide some immediate relief from the heat.

Wrapping a cool, wet bandana loosely around your neck can help cool your body down, by cooling down the carotid arteries, which carry much of the blood up to your head. The same cool cloth on the back of your neck provides the sensation of coolness, and as it evaporates it helps with heat reduction. Choose something that complements your outfit and looks fashionable while feeling more comfortable.

One of my favorite tricks for sleeping when the nights feel hot and uncomfortable is to spray a light mist of water on my bottom sheet and pillow using a refillable spray bottle before I climb into bed. A drop of calming essential oil, like lavender, in the water, can provide a soothing subtle smell to fall asleep to and the ever so slight mist helps cool your body as you fall asleep wearing a tank top or camisole and a comfortable pair of shorts or underwear.

Hot summer days offer little in the way of comfort when you are very pregnant and wondering how you will survive the hot sun, high temperatures, and humidity. Taking a few simple actions can help you to feel better, have more energy, handle the heat and enjoy your summertime pregnancy. Do you have any tips to share with other mothers for how you like to stay cool during a hot spell?