summer pregnancy tips

How To Survive A Hot Summer When You’re Pregnant

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Wondering how to bear the hot summer temperatures during pregnancy?

Yup, I hear you, mama.

I’ll be third trimester pregnant during the hot summer with my second daughter.

And, that’s because I didn’t learn my lesson the first time.

I was also third trimester pregnant during the warmer months with my first daughter.

First time I was due in August.

I’m due in September this time.

So, I’m well experienced in trying to stay cool during the summer when you’re pregnant and I’m going to share my best tips with you right now.

I call it operation stay cool during the summer while pregnant plan.

I know original. 🙂

11 Need to Know Summer Pregnancy Tips

Pregnancy survival guide for summer

I’m sure everyone told you that pregnancy is when you’re glowing with a cute baby bump and while that can happen, it’s not always the case.

Especially when you’re hella pregnant during the summer.

Here are my best tips for surviving your summer pregnancy – including advice on how to stay cool at night so you can actually sleep (hopefully), and how to enjoy the warm temperatures so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.

Your Own Cooling Zone

You need a place where you can escape the heat and be comfortable.

And sometimes being in airconditioning just isn’t enough.

That’s why constructing your own cooling zone at home is important. 

I use our basement for this purpose because it’s already cooler than the rest of the house.

I add fans (I have two of these ones and LOVE them), comfy seating (which really just means lots of pregnancy support pillows), snacks, and stuff to do while I’m there.

Mama, it’s like your own sanctuary where you can get your sanity back – because it’s hard to deal with the heat when you’re pregnant.

Having your own cooling zone also might be a great place to sleep if you’re overheating at night.

Choose Your Summer Wardrobe Wisely

Think non-clingy materials in light colors that flow off you.

Things like empire waist shirts, flowy dresses, and skirts.

You want fabrics that breath.

And, don’t be silly like I was – get maternity shorts.

Because even though I thought I would love wearing dresses all summer, there were days when I just wanted to bum around in shorts and not worry about how I moved or sat down.

Get shorts. 🙂

Related read: Practical and Cute Summer Outfits for Moms

Put a Fan in Your Room

The complete summer pregnancy survival guide

I’ve tried sleeping in the basement during both of my pregnancies and it’s just not as comfortable you know?

I have a third fan (this one) in our room directed right at me.

It blows cool air on me all night long – not sure what I would do without it.

Water is Your Best Friend

Might not be what you want to hear but water is your best friend when you’re trying to regulate your body temperature.

(It’s just not the greatest when you have a baby kicking your bladder for fun).

Your body is producing more blood to help grow your baby and that’s why you’re feeling much warmer or downright overheat during hot temperatures.

That’s also why you’re a sweating mess – your body is cooling you down by sweating and you’re helping your body do that by staying well hydrated.

Win-win no?

So, drink up mama, okay?

PS. Staying well hydrated is important so that you don’t bring on contractions and preterm labor. (I’m not saying that will happen for sure but you’re increasing your risks if you don’t hydrate, okay?)

Create Your Own Drinks

summer heat tips for pregnancy

If you’re like me, the thought of drinking water all the time kinda depressed me.

Almost makes dealing with summer heat worse you know?

There’s your hubby downing a cool drink and your friends sipping cocktails and you’re drinking…water.

Now’s the time to master making cool drinks for yourself so they can get jealous, haha! 🙂

My go-to summer drink when pregnant is sparkling water with lots of ice and frozen strawberries and raspberries.

The fizz and berries give boring water a kick.

Want more inspiration?

Check out this post for cool summer drinks.

Cooling Towels are a Must

Cooling towels are very handy to have when you’re on the go and for around the house.

Wet them and place them in the fridge to get cold.

Planning a day trip?

Throw them in the freezer the night before so they’ll be ready to keep you cool all day.

The Splash Pad isn’t Just for Kids

Advice for staying cool during the summer when you're pregnant

It’s also for very pregnant mamas who are trying to stay cool!

If you’re not close to a splash pad head over to your local wading pool and dip your feet in the cool water.

This is one of my favorite summer pregnancy survival tips because you get a cool down and entertainment for your other kids if you have any.

Mama – it’s worth the drive to the wading pool, haha!

Prefer to stay closer to home?

Pick up a kiddie pool and voila your very own backyard oasis – just make sure to make one of those cool summer drinks! 🙂

Time to Take Up Cold Showers

There’s never a time when you want to take a cold shower except when you’re pregnant during the summer!

If you’re not close to a pool, cool off in the shower as often as you can.

The cold water will bring your temperature down and freshen you up if you worry about body odor.

Keep the Blinds Closed

A super easy trick to cool your house down is to pull the curtains/blinds against the hot summer sun.

Your house will be cooler and your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard either.

Put your feet up

summer pregnancy advice

The heat isn’t the only thing you’ll deal with during the summer, there’s also your feet and ankles swelling.

Yup, welcome to summer pregnancy, mama.

Sigh.

My ankles and feet literally blew up overnight and that didn’t have me feeling too good.

It’s the last thing you want to deal with when you’re trying to stay cool, you know?

Your summer pregnancy simply means you have a built-in excuse to put your feet up.

Keep your feet elevated as often as possible to prevent swelling – drinking lots of water will also help.

Save Errands for Cooler Times of Day

Hit your errand list first thing in the morning before the temperatures rise or in the early evening when it starts to cool off.

If you can swing it, get your hubby to help out as much as possible too.

Start Shopping at the Mall

I’m not meaning you should rack up your credit card by shopping your summer pregnancy blues away.

Staying out of sweltering temperatures can make you feel a little closed off at times and I find walking around the mall a great way to combat those feelings.

It’s a cool place where you can enjoy some out of the house time and get some exercise while you’re at it.

Malls are known for skylights that let the summer light in but have air conditioning to keep everyone cool.

Not feeling the mall?

It might be the summer of movies for you – hit up your local theater and enjoy their air conditioning.

 

Use these summer pregnancy tips and you’ll actually enjoy the warmer temperatures.

Another way to stay cool is frequenting the beach – just make sure to dress right, wear sunscreen, and bring an umbrella to stay out of the sun.

You may feel like you won’t survive your summer pregnancy at times because it can be brutal but with a little planning and lots of cooling activities, you’ll beat the heat.

And, just remember – you won’t be pregnant every summer, thank goodness. 🙂

Which summer pregnancy survival tips will you use?

Have any other advice to share?

I’m always looking for great ways to deal with the heat during pregnancy so please share with me below!

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2 Comments

  1. I spend as much time as possible at the beach in the summer and will definitely need to make sure I bring a fan and enough water with me. Even though it will be unbearably hot some days, I think it may be better for me at least than being pregnant during the winter.

    1. Hi Diana,

      Let me know how your summer pregnancy goes! All of my pregnancies were during the same time of year – third trimester during the hot summer! It was definitely uncomfortable but I found things that worked for me. Let me know how you do!

      Thank you for reading!
      Elaine xx

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