Pregnancy is a time worth celebrating, but it’s not without its challenges. Your body works overtime as it creates a new person, and almost everything that’s comfortable changes as your baby grows. Summer is already hot, and being pregnant then only magnifies the heat.
While pregnancy during the summer months may never truly be comfortable, there are ways to beat the heat and temporarily make things a bit easier. Many traditional summer activities may actually help you conquer your summer pregnancy challenges.
No matter what seasons your pregnancy covers, you need an OB-GYN you can trust. With almost 20 years of experience, Dr. Darin L Weyhrich can help you through the nine-month blur of pregnancy. A longtime Boise resident, Dr. Weyhrich can make sure you conquer the Idaho summer.
Follow this guide and you’ll be a cool glass of lemonade away from a great summer.
During pregnancy, hormone levels and blood flow both rise, so you’re bound to sweat quite a bit more than normal. The summertime heat only make this worse. Beat the heat with a dip in the pool. In addition to cooling you down, the buoyancy of the water takes some of the weight off of your squished sciatic nerve, relieving any back pain.
If you’re not a fan of relaxing in the pool, try a swim exercise class. These classes are a great way to stay fit while keeping cool.
Is ocean or lake swimming more your thing? Both are safe during pregnancy, but make sure you venture into calm waters that won’t take you off your feet.
If there’s a perfect time to fully embrace maternity wear, it’s in the summer. Loose-fitting clothing, particularly a breathable fabric like cotton, proves particularly comfortable in the summer.
Also, light colors will reflect light. You should sweat less with a more relaxed, free-flowing wardrobe.
Your body produces 50% more blood and bodily fluids during pregnancy to keep up with the needs of the developing baby. This excess often causes swelling, especially in the ankles and feet. Summer heat only makes the swelling worse.
To offset this, make sure to keep your feet raised whenever possible. You can do this almost anywhere, including the office.
Staying hydrated is great advice any time, but pregnant women need to consume more water than normal no matter what the month is. In addition to the recommended 10 cups a day, add eight additional ounces for each hour you spend in the heat. This should balance out the amount of water you’ll sweat out.
Summer pregnancy doesn’t have to be a drag. Dr. Weyhrich helps you make sure your pregnancy is as comfortable as possible during the summer months. Call or send a message online today.
