I’m not going to lie – I never thought I would be facing my third trimester in the Georgia summer heat. Brandon and I always planned that I would be pregnant during the school year and due right before summer began. Things don’t always go as planned though – and here I am – 7 1/2 months pregnant and avoiding the outdoors like its my job.
Before you start wondering why I am such a big baby about the heat, consider this: my wardrobe is limited. I have to wear maternity Spanx every day to support and compress my varicose veins on my upper inner thighs and private parts. If I don’t wear them, I can’t walk after an hour due to the pain and pressure between my legs. My Spanx go to the middle of my thigh, so anything I wear must be long enough to cover them – aka I can’t wear most shorts or dresses in my closet! If only I could find a pair of maternity compression boy shorts…
To survive my summer pregnancy, here are some tips I’ve gathered from friends and Pinterest.
one. get out in the mornings.
Run your errands in the mornings when it is still cool(er) outside. If you live in the South, you know that once 11 am hits, the sun is hot and angry. Annabelle and I go out as soon as she is done with her breakfast and find that not only is the weather more pleasant, but the stores are less crowded. Plus, getting into a car that has been sitting in a parking lot during peak sun hours is horrible.
two. stay hydrated.
One of the worst things a pregnant girl can do is not drink enough water. My doctor explained to me why dehydration causes contractions at my last appointment and said that a lack of water might not exactly send me into an early labor, but it will result in a lot of issues. You need to add 8oz of clear liquid to your day for every hour you spend in the heat (source), so drink up! I love adding fresh fruit to my water – it makes it more enjoyable to drink.
three. stay cool.
Whether its floating in a pool or taking a quick cold shower, its important that you keep your body temperature down when the outdoor temperatures rise. Some articles say that if temps are above 90, then stay inside with air conditioning or by a fan. If you have to be outdoors, carry a spray bottle of water and a big bottle of ice water to drink with you.
four. protect your skin.
During pregnancy, our skin becomes even more delicate than normal. The melanin in our skin can increase with hormonal changes and is responsible for brownish colored patches on your forehead, cheeks, upper chest, and above the upper lip. To prevent this from developing, keep your face and upper chest away from direct sunlight. To protect your skin, apply sunscreen before you go outside, and reapply throughout the day. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face and neck.
five. avoid excess salt.
By reducing your sodium intake, you can prevent any additional swelling the warm temperatures may cause. Spruce up your meals with herbs and spices instead. I avoid fried or salty foods anyways because they made my fingers swell before I got pregnant. Don’t eliminate salt entirely from your diet though – the baby needs iodine!
six. dress comfortably.
Unless you’re like me and need to keep your lower half compressed, wear the least amount of lightweight breathable clothing possible. Sweat is your worst enemy and the rashes that can develop around your breasts, under your belly, or between your legs from tight fitting clothing are unpleasant and ugly. I am loving maxi and midi dresses that I can tie up on the side because they hide my Spanxx.
Do you have any tips for surviving a summer pregnancy?
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