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If this is your first pregnancy, being pregnant in the summer can be a hot mess, no pun intended. Your body is already working overtime to grow a baby, and the added heat can make it even harder to stay cool and comfortable. Especially as you get into the third trimester and your due date approaches, you are experiencing more water retention and swelling, and you're really, for lack of a better term, sweatin' it.
As a mom of two, I've made it through two summers pregnant, so I have a few tips worth sharing. When you add in the super fun symptoms of being pregnant, combined with the sweltering heat, you're probably asking yourself: "How the F am I going to survive?" Well, with a little sweat, here are some ways to beat the heat and stay cool while doing it.
This is probably the most important tip. Drink lots of fluids throughout the day, especially water. Pregnant women should drink 8-10 glasses of water per day in the summer. This is because their bodies need more fluids to stay hydrated in the heat. If you are sweating a lot, you may need to drink even more water.
We asked Poppy, our AI-powered chat tool, how much water a pregnant person should drink a day. Here's what she had to say:
"Staying hydrated is so important during this exciting time. Generally speaking, it's recommended that pregnant women drink at least 8-10 cups of water per day, but this can vary depending on factors like your activity level and the weather. You may need to drink more if it's particularly hot outside. Prioritizing your water intake can also help regulate your body temperature, which you should be monitoring closely during the summer," said Poppy.
In addition to staying hydrated, we love the added benefits of electrolytes. According to the science team at LMNT, their one rule of hydration is simple: "Drink electrolyte water when you’re thirsty. Drinking electrolytes along with water replaces what’s lost through sweat, urine, and respiration. And when you use thirst as a hydration guide, you won’t over-hydrate."
While this may not be realistic for most people to drink electrolytes throughout the day, even adding one packet to your water would be sufficient. Here are our favorite on-the-go electrolyte packets:
As always, check with your healthcare provider before consuming supplements.
It might be obvious, but dress for the weather! Clothing that's tight and made of synthetic materials can trap heat, so opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Light colors will also help reflect the sun's rays and keep you cooler. Think to yourself "which beach cover up can I get away with wearing not at the beach?", and start there.
Our summers in New Jersey are extremely humid, so here are some of my go-to, loose fitting and light weight outfits that pair perfectly with a pregnant belly:
A cool shower or bath can help you cool down quickly and easily. You can also try using a cooling compress on your forehead or neck. Taking a cool bath can help lower your body temperature by up to 2 degrees Fahrenheit, as the cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict.
If you're going to be outside for an extended period of time, avoid strenuous exercise. Stick to activities that don't require a lot of exertion, such as walking or swimming. Avoid anything that causes pain, or puts too much stress on your legs or on your lungs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are more likely to experience heat-related illnesses than non-pregnant women. This is because pregnant women have a higher body temperature and a lower sweat rate than non-pregnant women. This makes it harder for pregnant women to cool down when they are hot, especially in warmer temperatures and as the third-trimester approaches.
A cooling gel or compress can help to lower your body temperature quickly and easily. You can find cooling gels and compresses at most drugstores.
Honestly, Resort Pass is the best kept secret! Did you know you can get pool, spa, and amenity access at the best hotels and resorts near you? Yup— and all you have to do is buy a day pass. Search your city and see what comes up, and enjoy the staycation you desever!
Stay cool out there, everyone! The sun and heat (especially during pregnancy) really is no joke.
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