How Pregnant Women Can Stay Comfortable in the Summer

In addition to a distended belly, women who are pregnant during the summer months are also coping with higher levels of horomones, water retention and a lower metabolism. That's all bad enough during December or February, but what can you do for relief during the scorching summer months? Short of moving to Greenland, there isn't much you can do to avoid summer heat, so here are a few ways pregnant women can help tolerate it.

1. Stay out of the heat of the day.

The sun is at its highest between one o'clock and four o'clock in the afternoon, and during the summer, the mercury might score above 100 degrees. That is not the time for a pregnant mother to be out and about. If you want to talk a walk, run errands or visit friends, do it in the morning or evening when the sun isn't quite so hot. If you must go out during the day, be sure the AC in your car works and make the best of it.

2. Stay up on the weather.

When you wake up in the morning, listen to the weather forecast. Temperatures exceeding 90 degrees are going to be the most uncomfortable, so if the weatherman delivers bad news, plan to stay in. You can always occupy yourself by cleaning the house, catching up on correspondence, or organizing a fun indoor game for your children to play. If you do have to go outside and you find breathing difficult or discover excess perspiration, make sure to keep a bottle of water handy and get into the shade or air conditioning as quickly as possible.

3. Wear white.

Dark colored clothing can be miserable during the summer months, and will help to retain heat for pregnany Mom's. Instead, wear pastels or plain white to help reflect the sun's rays. Wear sunglasses to keep the glare out of your eyes and put on sleeveless shirts and shorts whenever possible. Keep sunscreen available because harmful rays can be damaging to your health, and in turn that of your unborn baby's.

4. Avoid heavy fabrics.

When you hit the stores for summer shopping, buy maternity clothes made of cotton, linin or cotton hybrids. Thick fabrics like wool or polyester will make your pregnancy even more uncomfortable, and will help to retain heat rather than expel it. Clothes that "breathe" are your best bet for summer pregnancies.

5. Drink, drink, drink!

Dehydration is especially serious for pregnant mothers, and the summer months are known for losing too many fluids. Keep a bottle of water in your purse and switch to juice or tea while at home to keep yourself hydrated. If you feel dizzy or if you experience dry mouth, get into a cool area and take small drinks of water until you feel better.

6. Stay out of direct sunlight.

If you've planned a family excursion to the beach or if you plan to visit the zoo, wear a large, wide-brimmed hat and stay in the shade as much as possible. Direct sunlight is far more difficult to bear for pregnant women, so scope out the area of extended branches of trees or building overhangs. If you have to, go into a building every once in a while too cool off and get a drink. Studies show that pregnant women are also more susceptible to sunburn, so make sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF.

7. Take cool showers or a dip in the pool.

Women pregnant during the summer should take frequent cool showers or have access to a pool to cool themselves down. If you have a jacuzzi tub, fill it will cool water and soak for a while. This will help to keep your body temperature low and to avoid overheating, especially during the middle of the day.

8. Invest in a spray fan.

Wal-Mart or Target should carry the little bottles with spray nozzles on the tip and an electric fan attached to the nozzle. These are great for pregnant women to carry while outside; when you start to feel overheated, spray your face and arms with the cool mist it expels. This will keep you feeling cool even when the sun is at its hottest.

9. Avoid salty foods.

Salt encourages dehydration and will prevent you from utilizing your fluid intake to your advantage. Stay away from chips, pretzels, high-sodium crackers and pasta with sodium.

10. Prop up your feet.

Keeping your feet elevated whenever possible will increase circulation to the legs and eliminate swelling in the ankles and toes. Pregnant women are constantly fighting the battle of water retention, which can make summer heat even more unbearable.

11. Take cat naps.

Pregnant women often tire easily, and this is even more true during the summer. Heat tends to sap strength and energy, so little naps spread throughout the day aren't a bad idea. It doesn't mean that you're lazy or unable to keep up, but your health is the most important thing to ensure a smooth pregnancy. Get plenty of sleep at night and take it easy during the day.

12. Prepare for high energy bills.

For a pregnant woman during the summer, the thermostat should be set below 78 degrees. This might be lower than you would normally keep it, but take the monetary hit when the energy bill comes in the mail. This will provide a cool haven to which you can return after being outside, and will ensure your comfort during the day and night.

13. Ask for help.

Don't be afraid to tell your spouse or friend when you are feeling less than great. They will understand when you need to sit down or get out of the sun. Keeping a "stiff upper lip" will do nothing for the health of your pregnancy, and you could potentially do damage to yourself or your baby.

These tips should keep summer pregnancies more comfortable.