Staying Healthy Surviving the Summer Heat in Pregnancy By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH twitter linkedin Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. Learn about our editorial process Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Fact checked by Fact checked by Adah Chung on August 28, 2020 linkedin Adah Chung is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and occupational therapist. Learn about our editorial process Adah Chung Updated on August 28, 2020 Print Photo © RapidEye/Getty Images Here are some things that you need to keep in mind during the summer while pregnant, no matter when you're due. Hydration Drinking water during pregnancy is very important because of the increased demands on your body. During summertime, it is even more important to drink lots of water because dehydration can cause pre-term contractions. Signs of Dehydration Not drinking enough liquid can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea and headaches, muscle cramps, and an increase in body temp which can lead to heat exhaustion. Drink at least two liters of clear liquids, preferably water, a day. If you are outside you need at least eight ounces of water for every hour you are outside. Drink before you get thirsty—thirst can be a sign that you've waited too long. When dehydration occurs, you lose part of your blood volume. This increases the concentration of the normal amounts of oxytocin (the hormone that causes contractions), therefore causing contractions. These contractions can lead to the premature birth of your baby. Swelling Swelling in pregnancy can be a normal physiologic part of pregnancy. You need to learn to read the signs of normal swelling, which usually increases in the summer particularly if you are later in pregnancy, as not to be alarmed. Normal swelling in pregnancy will go down after you have rested. It will not appear suddenly. Any swelling that appears suddenly, does not go away after rest (for example, you wake up swollen), or is worrisome needs to be checked out by your practitioner. Normal swelling can be dealt with by salting your food to taste. This means you need to neither restrict salt completely or overdo it on salt. Many people are not aware that too little salt will also cause swelling to occur. Rest with your feet up whenever possible. Remove your rings if they are tight, don't risk the pain and misery of having them cut off. Being in water will also help swelling, particularly water that is deeper like shoulder length. This also works really well for women who have higher blood pressure. Sun During pregnancy, it's best to avoid direct sunlight. If you are in the sun use a 30-45 SPF sunscreen. Avoid restrictive clothes. This can increase your discomfort and add to swelling problems. Try to go outside in the cooler parts of the sunshine—early morning and late afternoon—rather than high noon. Summer can be a great time of year to get out and enjoy your pregnancy. There are many activities that can still be done during pregnancy and with a few simple precautions. There is no reason you shouldn't enjoy the summer. Remember to watch out for warning signs of dehydration, problematic swelling, or other signs that you need to call your practitioner. When to Call Your Practitioner Contractions or cramps (more than five in one hour) Bright red blood from your vagina Swelling or puffiness of the face or hands (a sign of preeclampsia) Pain during urination (possible urinary tract, bladder, or kidney infection) Sharp or prolonged pain in your stomach (preeclampsia signs) Acute or continuous vomiting (preeclampsia signs) A sudden gush of clear, watery fluid from your vagina Low, dull backache Intense pelvic pressure The good news is that you can safely enjoy summer fun and stay safe. So get out and enjoy! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Updated April 2020. Mulyani EY, Hardinsyah, Briawan D, Santoso BI. The Impact of Dehydration in the Third Trimesters on Pregnancy Outcome-Infant Birth Weight and Length. J Gizi Pangan. 2018;13(3):157-164. doi:10.25182/jgp.2018.13.3.157-164 Kjaer A, Larsen PJ, Knigge U, Warberg J. Dehydration stimulates hypothalamic gene expression of histamine synthesis enzyme: Importance for neuroendocrine regulation of vasopressin and oxytocin secretion. Endocrinology. 1995;136(5):2189-2197. doi:10.1210/endo.136.5.7720668 Irion JM, Irion GL. Water Immersion to Reduce Peripheral Edema in Pregnancy. J Womens Health Phys Therap. 2011;35(2):46-49. doi:10.1097/JWH.0b013e318225f18a