Are you pregnant in the summer? If so, high five. It is NOT an easy time to manage the aches and pains of pregnancy, but with a few tips you will have a MUCH better summer and enjoy the time you have before the baby arrives!
How do I know so much about pregnancy? Hi, I’m Hilary — many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse®. I have been a nurse since 1997 and have 20 years of labor and delivery experience. I also worked for many years in the Phoenix Valley, so I know a thing or two about being HOT during your pregnancy (and I really feel for desert moms).
But before we start, are you ready for BIRTH? Get my birth plan series here, it’s completely free and will get you started on preparing for your birth:
WATER BOTTLE
I HAVE to say this, coming from the valley of the sun (it seriously gets around 123 some summers in Phoenix — so, it’s HOT). People are DEHYDRATED. So, get a nice bottle of water.
I know Stanley was all the rage, but me LOVE this item. Comes in a few sizes. I like the option to drink or use the straw, and I like that it closes so there’s no chance of a leak (can’t say as much for other areas of your body — right).
Note what you will need to hydrate. Would you prefer fruit infused water or water that stays cold? Make sure you use a water bottle that fits the way you’ll be drinking the water (not just one that’s popular — looking at you dripping Stanley).
Pro tip: My biggest hurdle is filling my water bottle in the morning. I have a nice big one sitting on my desk and as long as I fill it up before I start work, I’ll get more fluids than if I don’t. One choice affects the REST of my day!
Swimsuit
I know, I know — you feel REALLY big and you can’t feel the pools. But I can’t recommend getting into a pool anymore!
Depending on how far along you are, your regular suit (or bikini) might fit, but there are a lot of really cute options out there!
So why is wearing your suit worth it? The pool will take some of that baby weight off (especially great in the 3rd trimester). It can also allow you to move your body without the added weight of your body to help stretch things out better.
It can also help you relax and just enjoy the moment. However, I do not recommend hot tubs in pregnancy (here is my post hot baths for more reasoning on this).
Make sure you stay covered as much as you can, and sunscreen the rest (more to come). Also wear a hat when possible…. the nurse in me has to say it. 🙂
Pro tip: Make sure you bring your water bottle to the pool, along with a healthy snack. I love some cold fruit in a cooler – great fiber and tastes SO good when you’re hot. Of course, if you are diabetic, check with your provider about what are good options!
BTW, not sure what to eat? Get my guide to safe eating here:
Sunscreen
Again — the nurse in me has to say it. Be sure to wear sunscreen!
I actually did a podcast on safe sunscreens that I’ll put here if you want to listen…
Set a timer on your watch for when to reapply (or enter).
I’m really a HUGE fan of a guard rash just not having to think about putting it on my arms and shoulders, but I know that’s not an option for everyone.
WHY is sunscreen more important when you’re pregnant than at other times?
Your body is already under stress trying to grow this new baby (surprise!). If you were to put a sunscreen on top, it’s just more healing and repair that it needs to do. It may hurt more and take longer to heal. You’ll also need a lot more fluids to help replace what you’ll lose from all of this.
It is most important when you are pregnant to protect yourself. You’ll be glad you did!
Here are some more things to think about during pregnancy:
Mosquito repellent
I have heard many people say that mosquitoes eat them alive when they are pregnant.
Mosquitoes are attracted to blood flow and you have EXTRA while you are pregnant. SO, they might actually be more attracted to you. I found this article about what is safer during pregnancy.
If you’re just out and don’t really want to apply it — I’ve had luck too these.
Maybe you didn’t even THINK about all of this — come prepare yourself with some more of my pro tips:
Dresses
This is something I’ve learned time and time again at Pheonix — dresses are your friends. Nice, long flowing lines. This way you can still go about your regular activities without fear of flashing anyone, but also lots of airflow.
I love me something like this — and you can even use it for easy breastfeeding after baby! Sparkly dresses are an AFTER baby essential — so they’re a great investment and not that expensive.
Prenatal class at HOME
Take it from me, there’s nothing more miserable than a barely air-conditioned hospital room after a long day at work trying to figure out how to make your baby.
Summer is a great time to take this prenatal class at home. There are so many benefits to it:
- No loading into your hot car to try to find a parking spot that is not 100 miles from the facility
- Take it in small chunks to really remember it
- Take it from your cool home, on your sofa and not from a warm room on a hard chair.
- Get a quality trainer you know you’ll love!
I recommend the Online Prenatal Course for Couples. It really has all the benefits of being fun and exciting — you’ll be prepared before you know it! Use coupon code SUMMER to save 11% today – The the coupon is already applied here. It works in any of my classrooms!
Did I miss anything? Any summer essentials you just love? Let me know in the comments!
