Tips for Getting Through a Summertime Pregnancy

If you’re like most women, you’re probably so happy to be pregnant. Whether this is your first or fifth child, being pregnant always makes you feel special. But one worry crosses most women’s minds: How are you going to survive being pregnant in the summertime?

Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to beat the heat and stay cool when you’re pregnant in the summer. It helps if you have air conditioning, but you can still make it through even if you don’t. Darin L. Weyhrich, MD, explains more about how to stay comfortable when you’re pregnant in the summertime.

Make staying hydrated easy

Dehydration is a big challenge in obstetrics. Your body needs more water than usual to compensate for the extra water volume your baby needs. When it’s hot out, you need to increase your water intake even further — an extra cup for every hour you’re outside in the heat.

You should carry around a water bottle at all times and refill it throughout the day. But look for other easy ways to increase your hydration, too. Try some of the following, which are good sources of water:

• Watermelon
• Popsicles (buy them or make your own)
• Flavored water
• Lemonade
• Decaf iced tea
• Adding fruit to your water for extra flavor

Staying hydrated is more important than you might think. Dehydration can lead to contractions, low amniotic fluid, and even premature labor.

Invest in a maternity swimsuit

You might think that you won’t want to be seen in a swimsuit or that you can still squeeze into your regular swimsuit. But investing the extra money in a maternity swimsuit is a garment you’ll really appreciate.

A maternity swimsuit has extra room for your growing baby, and you’ll be a lot more comfortable. Swimming is not only great exercise and helps you stay cool but it also helps to ease your pregnancy aches and pains. Pregnancy puts a lot of extra stress on your joints and your lower back, which all goes away while you’re in the water.

Minimize swelling

Swelling during pregnancy is very common. It’s a normal part of pregnancy; your body has to produce more blood and fluids to accommodate your growing baby. Most often, the swelling gets worse at the end of the day. You might find your feet swelling most of all, but you can also experience swelling in your face, hands, and ankles.

Beat the uncomfortable swelling by doing more activities earlier in the day. You can also get some relief by putting your feet up and taking a rest when your swelling gets to be too much to bear. Add some cold compresses when you feel extra miserable.

Rest whenever you feel tired

Being pregnant is a lot like running a marathon. Your body is working hard, and you need to rest when you get too tired. And during the summer, you may feel more tired than usual.

Listen to your body’s cues. If it’s telling you you’re tired, lie down and rest whenever you can. Don’t eat too close to bedtime; it can cause heartburn and keep you awake. If you have air conditioning, turn it on and even turn it down a couple of degrees on extra hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, get a fan and point it at your bed.

If you’re pregnant during the summer, you can get through it with minimal discomfort if you practice these tips. If you need some more suggestions, contact Darin L. Weyhrich, MD, or request an appointment online.