With each heat wave, being pregnant becomes a little harder. And it doesn’t help that the temperatures in summer tend to keep getting hotter and hotter. Here are 9 pieces of helpful advice for surviving the heat while pregnant during a California summer:
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#1 – Stay Hydrated
With temperatures close to 100 degrees, it’s essential that you drink lots of water. If you don’t already have one, get a large, insulated water bottle. (You’ll need it after baby arrives.) There are ways to remind yourself to drink enough water like this bottle, but you can also check in with and listen to your body often.
#2 – Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
Loose clothes will be your friend. When I was pregnant with my first child, a summer baby, I lived in loose maxi dresses and pajama sets. Natural fibers like cotton are the way to go. And while you might have dreams of wearing cute sandals (or heels!) invest in a pair of easy-to-slip-on sandals that can accommodate your feet if they get wider toward the end of your pregnancy.
#3 – Protect Your Skin
Your skin is your largest organ, and everything you put on your skin can affect your baby. So, it’s important to choose a sunscreen and bug repellant that is safe! Make sure to wear a hat, too!
#4 – Stay Cool
Be careful about making too many plans outdoors, especially during the middle of the day when it’s hottest. If you do need to go out in the sun, be prepared. Buy a hand-held fan and a cooling neck wrap. And remember to take breaks and go in a cool place often.
#5 – Take a Break
This is another hot tip for surviving the heat while pregnant. Your feet will be more likely to swell, so sit back and put your feet up often. This will allow the swelling to go down (and let you relax a bit.)
#6 – Reduce Sodium
Sodium makes you retain water, which will make you feel more bloated and uncomfortable. While you don’t want to completely avoid salt, reducing your intake will help you feel much better.
#7 – Cook Less Often
Cooking a hot meal every day will make you miserable during the summer. Standing in front of a hot stove will make you hot and hurt your feet. Instead, meal prep once or twice a week, get a food delivery service (if you can,) or mix in easy-prep meals that don’t need heat like smoothies or healthy yogurt bowls.
#8 – Summer-Proof Your Bed
Sleeping while pregnant can be tough; add in heat, and sleep might seem impossible. Grab a cooling pillow and a cooling blanket to keep you comfortable. You should also choose natural fibers like cotton or bamboo for your pajamas and bed sheets.
#9 – Don’t Push Your Body!
Most importantly, remember to take it easy. You need to take care of yourself and your baby. So if you feel tired or dread going out in the heat, cancel plans or suggest staying inside or going to a pool to stay cool.
Have you had a summer pregnancy? If you did, what was the most helpful for you in terms of surviving the heat while pregnant?
