10 Ways to Keep Cool During a Summer Pregnancy
I could count down the perks of a summer pregnancy — no bulky layers, no maternity coats, no threats of slipping on ice — but let’s be honest: summer pregnancies are rough.
Pregnant women already feel hot and swollen — especially in the third trimester — and the summer heat makes matters much, much worse.
While there aren’t any cures for beating the summer heat completely (besides staying in the AC at all times), there are certainly ways to manage the summer months without living like a hermit.
Here are 10 ways to keep cool during the hot summer months:
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Stay Hydrated
One of the most important tips is to DRINK WATER — lots of water — especially because dehydration is the leading cause of premature labor. Drinking water also flushes out water retention (swelling!), which summer heat makes worse.
More ways to reduce swelling: Keep your feet elevated, limit your salt intake, use cold compresses, and avoid standing for long periods at a time.
Read more about the importance of summer hydration.
Photo: Greg Riegler Photography/Flickr -
Replenish with Electrolytes
If the summer heat does leave you dehydrated, electrolytes are mega important. Good news: You don't have to resort to sugary store-bought versions. Use coconut water or this simple recipe.
Photo: betseyweber/Flickr -
Choose Natural Fabrics
Opt for lightweight, natural fabrics whenever possible — like bamboo, 100% cotton, and linen. (Speaking of fabric choices, here's how to handle uncomfortable chafing "down there.")
Buy these bamboo B.D.A. (Before During After) Pants, $69.96 -
Or At Least Light-Colored, Loose-Fitting Clothes
If you do wear synthetic fabrics, the looser the better. Tight clothes will only make you feel sweatier — especially if they're tight around your wrists or ankles, which can increase heat-induced swelling.
Buy this Old Navy dress, $28 -
Change Your Sleep Environment
If you like to sleep on flannel or jersey, opt for breathable 100% cotton sheets. You can also find cooling pillows that help regulate your body temperature. (And don't forget a fan in the bedroom!)
Buy this Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow, $46.98 -
Carry Cold Water Spray
A cool mist can be invaluable while you're out and about in the heat. Keep a ready-made bottle in the fridge, or fill your own spray bottle.
Buy this Evian Mineral Water Spray + Travel Size, $10 -
Keep Cool Treats in the Freezer
Don't underestimate the power of frozen goodies. Rather than stock up on sugary ice cream and ice pops, Cool Whip is a low-cal option for frozen treats.
See more quick, cooling COOL WHIP recipes -
Run Errands When the Sun is Low
Let's face it: You can't just lay on your couch all day in the AC (as much as you want to). If you absolutely must go out in the brutal heat, opt to run errands in the morning or early evening, when the sun is lower in the sky.
Photo: Paul Bica/Flickr -
Swim
Not only is swimming a cool-down technique, but it's an excellent exercise option for pregnant women, and it helps keep swelling down.
Photo: clspeace/Flickr -
Take Quick Showers or Baths
If you don't have access to a pool, quick cold showers or relaxing baths can be a major help.
Photo: HaoJan/Flickr
Post disclaimer: A big thanks to COOL WHIP Whipped Topping for sponsoring this campaign. Sponsored posts are purely editorial content and are not advertiser produced. Click here to see more of the discussion.
What you add makes it. #coolwhipmoms
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My second daughter was born in the middle of a HUGE heatwave, and boy, were those last few weeks brutal. These ideas are totally useful!
Great tips for pregnant women and others!
I love keeping cold treats in the freezer all summer for snacks and dessert and a lot of the Cool Whip recipes you linked to would freeze really well!
My mom never fails to bring up the fact that she was pregnant with me during the hottest summer our hometown has ever experienced (this was pre-air conditioning)…haha…too bad she didn’t have this recipes!
i’ve only been pregnant in the winter but i’ve always kept frozen treats in the freezer! don’t know what it is but i am neverr in the mood for anything hot–give me an ice pop and i’m good!
I hated SO BADLY when i was pregnant in the summer — and i was at most 5 months pregnant for all of them in the summer. I refused to do ANYTHING & I can’t imagine (and don’t want to imagine) being full term at the beginning of a heat wave!
great tips