Summer is often a nightmare for pregnant women. The heat and moving difficulties because of the large stomach certainly do not make pregnancy problems easier. Still, pregnancy during the summer months doesn’t have to be unbearable. Some studies have shown that women who go through pregnancy during the summer months reduce the risk of congenital disorders, and it’s all thanks to the sun exposure, which is the best source of vitamin D. Due to pregnancy, heat can seem even worse, but there are a few ways that will help you endure the hot weather.
Use Caution When Going Outside
If you are staying in an air-conditioned space, before going out make a small difference in temperature to get adjusted to the one that is waiting for you outside. Excessive temperature difference (from about 15 to 20 degrees) can be dangerous and cause dizziness, fainting, broken blood vessels (usually in eyes), and the like.
If you experience dizziness, nausea or fatigue, immediately go indoors or find a deep shade. Still, it’s best to go home as soon as you feel the first signs of fatigue, dizziness, or severe thirst. Lie down and have a drink of cold water. If in a period of an hour you don’t feel better, be sure to call your doctor.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Drink plenty of liquids, and always keep a bottle of water with you. Avoid large amounts of coffee and fizzy drinks because they act as diuretics. Give priority to water and freshly squeezed juices.
Drink Smoothies
If you find it too hot to eat, make an iced smoothie, eat fresh fruit or salad. Reduce, but do not completely eliminate salt from your diet. Salt contains iodine, which is essential for the healthy development of the baby.
Don’t Forget to Apply Sunscreen Often
The skin of pregnant women is a sensitive and thus more prone to sunburn so be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a hat with a wide brim (it will protect your face and hair) and sunglasses.
Go Swimming
Swimming is very useful for future moms. If you have a healthy pregnancy and your gynecologist let you stay in the water, there is no reason not to swim during summer. Just make sure the water is nice (not too cold or too hot), always enter the water slowly and gradually and adjust to its temperature. Swim slowly, in a style that suits you best, without sudden movements and fatigue.
Watch for Excessive Swelling
The most common problem for pregnant women during the summer is the swelling of the legs. If the second half of pregnancy occurs during the summer months, the degree of swelling of the legs can be even greater. Lie down for 30-60 minutes a day, preferably after the end of the working day or lunch. When lying down, raise your legs. Roll up a blanket or put a larger pillow under the mattress so that your feet will be raised the whole time. Wear comfortable shoes, and if possible a pair that is half or whole size larger than your actual size. Walk 2-3 times a week, but during the day when the temperature is the lowest. If you notice the swelling of the hands, remove any jewelry.
Avoid Going Outside During the Middle of the Day
Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly during the period between 10 am and 5 pm. If you go out during that period, wear clothing with long sleeves and legs, made of thin materials like cotton, silk or linen, the kind that is Darn Good Yarn clothing. Do not wear tight clothes, especially around the waist. To avoid boredom, you can even make clothes yourself using some scarfs, lace and strings. Sunbathing the stomach is not healthy at this time of day because of the possible rupture of capillaries in the skin.
It is very important to be in contact with a gynecologist and a general practitioner all the time. If there is any problem, be sure to contact them.
Being pregnant is not easy during the summer, especially if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. High temperatures and humidity make the pregnant women in this period feel tired, heavy and sluggish. One of the most common problems are swollen ankles. However, the advantage of the summer period is that you will spend much more time in the fresh air.
If the temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius, it is recommended that pregnant women stay home. All you need to do outside, do in the morning or evening. Reduce activity at high temperatures as much as possible and wear light-colored clothing made from natural materials. Here are some more tips for pregnant moms to stay cool this summer.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Did you have a summer pregnancy? If so, what did you do to survive the summer heat?
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