7 Ways to Survive the Summer Months While Pregnant

Photo from mamas2mamas.com

This year's summer heat has been challenging and exhausting with a daily temperature that can soar to more than 41°C! Two weeks ago, the weather bureau in Cabanatuan City saw a record breaking heat index of 51°C. 

No one is feeling the scorch of the sun more than pregnant women. Essentially, a pregnant woman acts as a radiator for her baby. Hormonal shifts, metabolic changes and the extra weight can already make a pregnant woman feel uncomfortably warmer. Add this sticky humid weather, and an air conditioner becomes a need, not a luxury.  

Obviously, an air conditioner can't be traveling with you. Here are ways to keep cool and comfortable in this summer weather. 

1 Stay hydrated 
It's even more important now to drink plenty of fluids. Depriving yourself of H2o can lead to fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Dehydration can also trigger false labor contractions. 

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2 Eat more watery foods 
Fruit and veggies such as lettuce, broccoli, watermelon, and grapefruit are all more than 85 percent water by weight so they could help. Avoid foods with caffeine as it absorbs water intake and leave you feeling dry. Stay away from artificial juices, too, since those pack a whole lot of sugar.

3 Limit sun exposure 
Pregnant moms should take extra sun safety precautions as they are more sensitive to UV rays (because of your hormones). When going out, avoid peak hours when the sun is high and mighty, stay under the shade, and use preggy-safe sunscreen. 

4. Sleep can also help!
With a growing belly, a pregnant woman can be even more exhausted even you just walked a few steps at the park. Make sure you get a good night's rest. 

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5. Put your feet up...
To avoid extra fluids building up in the feet and ankles, lie down and elevate your feet for 20 minutes twice a day. That said, ditch the heels and go for a comfy not-so-flat sandals or half-size bigger shoes than your normal ones.


6. Wipe that sweat.
When perspiration get trapped in the skin folds, a rash can develop--and you don't want to add that to your list of preggy woes. Scratch that rash and it can get infected, too, so make sure you wipe it off and stay dry. Opt for light-colored and loose-fitting clothes made of natural or breathable fabric and change often if you must.

7. Watch your workout
Exercise is good, but you need to be wary of the intense heat when working out. Take it easy and make sure to stay cool and hydrated. Consider a workout at night when it's cooler. Or better yet, hit the pool and swim a few laps instead! Hot tubs and saunas are off-limits.  

We want to know: How do you stay cool in this summer heat? 

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