“Summer” and “pregnancy” are two words that no woman hopes to simultaneously use — because “summer pregnancy” generally equates to hot, sweaty, and wildly uncomfortable. Ask any mom who’s made it through, and her answer is likely to include some groans and sighs.
However, don’t lose all hope: You can beat the heat during a summer pregnancy, as long as you arm yourself with the right tips and gear.
The expert OBGYNs at New England Women’s Healthcare completely understand how tough it is to get through a summer pregnancy, so they do their best to provide all moms-to-be with the best information. Let’s get you started on your “How to Not Have a Horribly Hot Pregnancy” strategy.
These are our top five tips for staying comfortable during the warmer months.
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised at how tough it is to spend most of your time indoors during the summer. The bright sunshine just seems to be pulling at everyone, begging them to get out and soak up some vitamin D.
You definitely do need that vitamin D, but you also must avoid the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
If you can’t opt for an indoor activity, make sure to check the weather before going out. You may want to change your plans if the day is particularly hot or humid, both of which can contribute to heat exhaustion. And, if you must go out on a sunny day, make sure to slather on the sunscreen.
The last thing you want to do is sweat through your clothes. To avoid this, choose breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics — basically, spend your entire summer in activewear. Athletic clothes are designed to wick sweat away from your skin, which helps prevent chafing and smelling. Bonus points for mesh cutouts!
Staying hydrated is key to surviving a summer pregnancy. Hot and hydrated is one thing; hot and dehydrated is a whole other ballgame. Hydration needs vary from person to person, but generally, most people should drink at least 64 ounces of water per day.
As soon as you notice signs of dehydration, such as a headache, dizziness, or dark urine, retreat to the indoors and guzzle some H2O.
If you can’t find shade, bring your own! Wide-brimmed hats and sun umbrellas may look silly, but you won’t care when you’re (literally) the coolest person at the gathering. Plus, these items help prevent sunburns and sun damage to your skin.
Skip out on amusement park vacations during summer pregnancies. Instead, head to the beach or a water park! The heat won’t feel so bad if you have a body of water to cool off in.
Are you in search of more tips or an expert OB/GYN to help you through it? Call to schedule an appointment at our Woburn, Massachusetts, clinic or request your appointment online. You can also send a message to the team here on our website.
