Summer is approaching for many countries, and we need to get ready for heatwaves. Most of us are having the time of our lives, but it’s true that during pregnancy the high temperatures are worse. What can a pregnant woman do to cope with pregnancy in the summer?
Here are some tips and tricks for pregnant women to get through the months when the thermometer is at its peak:
How to handle the heat during pregnancy in summer
There are a few tricks that might help you cope better with your pregnancy in the summer. Of course, none of these substitutes for the instructions that a professional can offer.
Pregnant in summer: hydrate well
During pregnancy it’s important to stay hydrated. It’s best to consult your doctor about the amount of water that you should consume as it varies depending on each pregnancy. In any case, specialists recommend drinking a little more than usual due to weight gain and energy intake in the later stages of pregnancy.
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, water is essential in order to produce the liquid that surrounds the baby in pregnancy and to help it increase its blood volume. In addition, if morning sickness occurs, then it’ll be necessary to drink even more to compensate for the fluid loss.
If you’re pregnant in the summer, remember to drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
Solar protection
Due to hormonal changes, spots frequently appear on the skin (chloasma, dawn line…), it’s important that you avoid the sunniest hours of the day and use sunscreen with a high protection factor, even if you don’t come into direct contact with the sun.
Dive into the water
If you’re lucky enough to have the sea or a pool nearby, it might be a good idea to take a swim. You can swim and get some exercise, or simply stay in the water and move around a bit. When immersed, the joints move freely, and the weight of the abdomen due to the growth of the uterus and the baby will be better carried.
You’ll also feel relief if you have back pain or discomfort. In addition, you’re sure to feel your legs less swollen when you get out of the water. But don’t stay in a wet swimsuit too long because there may be a risk of vaginal or urinary tract infection.
Lymphatic drainage
If you feel your legs are tired or swollen, see a physiotherapist for a lymphatic drainage massage. Your legs will probably feel much lighter and you’ll be able to put your shoes back on again.
What do I do if I go on a trip?
If you’re pregnant in the summer and you’re planning to travel and go on vacation, these are some tips you can take into account:
- Ask the airline about the latest date they’ll let you travel. Sometimes you’ll be asked for a document from your midwife or gynecologist specifying that you have a low-risk pregnancy and the weeks of gestation. If you travel by car, stop at least every two hours and get out of the car to move around a bit.
- Take your pregnancy reports with you to your vacation destination.
- Be careful if you eat at a beach bar or take a picnic to the countryside or the beach. It’s important to prevent possible food poisoning.
- Do moderate exercise, as it’s important that you stay in shape throughout your pregnancy. Exercise helps drain fluid retention and maintain pelvic mobility. However, you need to take some precautions such as avoiding the maximum hours of heat, keeping yourself well hydrated and listening to your body. Finally, a word of advice, avoid all pelvic floor impact sports.
And, above all, keep in mind that, even if the summer months are a little difficult for your pregnancy, they’ll be worth it. Do the activities that make you feel better, but always be careful and put all the advice we’ve given you into practice. Of course, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you think you might have a problem. Go for it!
