How To Keep Cool When You Are Pregnant In The Summer

Image Credit: Mel Elías

This is a guest article from Arabella Greatorex, from Exeter Family Activities, which has listings for playgroups, ideas for local days out, attractions, baby shopping, antenatal classes, breastfeeding support, baby activities and postnatal exercise classes.

When the heat is on, life can become very hard when you are pregnant. Instead of looking forward to those long, hot August days, you may find yourself dreaming of igloos and frozen ice-caps, so try out these tricks to help you keep your cool when the temperature rises.

Maternity Clothes for Hot Weather

Wear loose fitting clothes that will let the air circulate - tight waistbands in particular will make you feel hot and bothered.
Natural fabrics such as cotton are best, as they will allow your skin to breath.
You may need to buy some larger shoes, particularly if your feet start to swell.
If you cannot face the shops, here is where you can buy all your maternity wear online.

The Best Summer Food and Drink During Pregnancy

Think carefully about your food hygiene - it is very easy to get food poisoning in the summer.
Use commercially frozen barbecue foods as the freezing process kills the toxoplasmosis parasite and always make sure food is cooked right through.
Check that mayonnaise is made with pasteurised eggs and always wash fruit and vegetables.
Drink LOTS of Water.
Even if you are still suffering from morning sickness, it is vital that you drink 8 glasses of water a day as it is very easy for pregnant women to become dehydrated.
Try to avoid coffee and fizzy drinks as they can act as diuretics.

Shopping

If you can, get your partner to take care of the big weekly shop.
If not, why not try food shopping over the internet or at a less busy time, maybe on a Friday evening?

Stay organised all through your pregnancy with these Free Pregnancy Printables including a birth plan, hospital bag checklist and new baby shopping list.

Keeping Cool

Pregnant women have up to a third extra blood in their system, which means they feel the heat more, so keep out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm.
Make sure you use a high factor sun screen - some women find their skin is extra sensitive when they are pregnant.

In the Swim

Swimming is an excellent way of exercising when you are pregnant and will help to cool you down.
Don’t forget to check with your doctor or midwife if you are worried about your fitness levels.

Related: What to do if you are suffering from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).

Keeping Cool During Pregnancy

Image Credit: 3907349

Take it Easy

Try not to get worked up about things - this will only make you feel hotter.If things do get on top of you, sit down and take a few deep breaths.
If you can, put your feet up and have a rest during the hottest part of the day.
As you near the end of your term, you may need to think about cutting down on the amount of walking and standing that you do. If in doubt, talk to your midwife or HR department.

Coping With Older Children

You may find it harder to relax if you are busy all day with older children, perhaps you could ask a friend to baby sit for a couple of hours to give you a rest.
Paddling pools are a great way to keep your feet cool - sit in the shade and dip your toes in, your toddler will love this!
Invite friends round to your house, instead of going to the park. They will probably keep you supplied with cool drinks if you ask them nicely!

Keeping Cool at Work

If you are still working, make sure your office is kept cool and your working conditions are suitable to your stage of pregnancy. If in doubt, contact Maternity Action who offer free advice for mums and dads worried about their rights at work and rights to benefits and healthcare.
If you use public transport, perhaps you could change your working hours to avoid the rush hour crush.
Ask if you could work from home one day a week - that extra hour in bed can make all the difference.

Related: Eco-parenting - How to have a green baby!

Look After Your Feet

When you can, sit with your feet up and try not to cross your legs as this can reduce blood flow.
Pamper your feet at the end of a long day. Soak them in a basin of cool water before using a foot scrub and finishing with a massage of you feet and legs - absolutely divine if you can get your partner to do it for you!

More by Arabella Greatorex

How To Keep Cool When You Are Pregnant In The Summer

About eParenting: eParenting was started by Jacqui O'Brien in 2004. At the time her kids were 1 and 4 and kept her nice and busy. Now they are teenagers and still keeping her pretty busy!