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It’s blazing hot here in the south. I can recall from my past pregnancies that being pregnant in the summer is not fun, especially if you are in the third trimester of your pregnancy. Being pregnant typically makes you feel hotter regardless of what season it is but during the summer when the heat isn’t just caused by your hormones, getting comfortable and staying cool can be challenging.
Dr. Nardone, an OBGYN in Rhode Island advises expectant mothers to pay attention to the heat index.
“If the heat index (meaning how hot the temperature feels because of the combination of heat and humidity) is in the 90s, that’s a good day to be indoors as much as possible with the air conditioning turned on.”
But since staying indoors isn’t always possible (work and life get in the way) I have a few tips for you if you must be out and about on those hot days.
- Stay indoors when at all possible during the hottest parts of the day. (The hottest parts of the day are between ten in the morning to four in the afternoon.) If you must go out try to do so in the earliest part of the day or in the late evening when it is coolest outside. If you must be outdoors while the sun is still blazing, try and sit or park your car in shady areas.
- If you must be outdoors be sure to apply a high SPF sunscreen prior to heading out. Pregnant skin is much more apt to sunburns.
- Wear light colored cotton clothing when possible.
- Drink, drink, drink! Cool liquids (like water) are great on hot summer days and it’s important that you don’t get dehydrated.
- Put your feet up when you are just lounging around to avoid swelling which can become worse during hot weather. Also, limit your salt intake which will reduce swelling.
- If you get over heated, take a cool shower to cool off.
Good luck staying cool this summer!
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Last summer, while pregnant with my youngest son, my older son wanted to be outside ALL THE TIME. I cut my hair short. It helped some.
Good tip Jenna!