Advice from OB-GYNs: Best Ways to Handle Summer Heat
As summer starts really heating up, OB-GYNs warn that the temperatures are nothing to mess with. As summer stretches on, don't become lax with your sun protection, especially when pregnant.
Expecting moms nearing the end of pregnancy start losing their cool just as the heat seems to never end!
We have great advice from the professionals on how you can survive the summer without melting, burning, or ending up on IV fluids due to dehydration. (Although regular IV hydration sessions are pretty awesome, just don't wait to be dehydrated to need one.)
How to Stay Cool in the Heat
While pregnant, you are in need of water more than ever. Increasing your typical intake is a must, but throughout the hot days of summer, OB-GYNs say that an extra glass may not be enough to ward off dehydration. Staying inside throughout the hottest part of the day will keep the body from sweating out excess fluids, but carrying a stainless steel or glass water bottle will keep you chugging all day! Avoid drinking from plastic water bottles, especially if they have been in the sun. Remember that your water intake is directly linked to your amniotic fluid levels.
OB-GYNs also recommend:
• Avoiding dark-colored clothing.
• Completing any outdoor tasks in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler.
• Drinking a cold “mocktail” or nutritious smoothie, but avoid excess sugars or additives.
• Taking frequent cool showers.
• Carrying around a spray bottle of water in your purse.
• Reducing the amount of salt you eat, especially if you notice swelling.
• Taking a nap if you are feeling tired from the heat.
• Remembering to apply a mineral-based 30 SPF or higher sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside.
• Avoid going outside or stay in the shade if outdoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Avoiding swelling by elevating feet whenever possible.
There are three common skin ailments related to the heat:
• Heat rash. You can protect your skin from developing heat rash by immediately patting down your body following a bath or shower. Wearing lighter fabrics, including cotton, will prevent clothing from sticking to your body and causing this rash.
• Itchy, dry skin. The summer heat can cause stretched skin –– from pregnancy weight gain –– to become dry and itchy. Using moisturizing shower products and lotions can help prevent this skin issue.
• Dark spots. During pregnancy, melanin, a chemical that is responsible for brownish-colored patches, responds to hormones. You can prevent dark spots and patches from developing by keeping your face and upper chest away from excessive sunlight.
How to Keep Your Cool When Expecting a Summer Baby
It’s hard not to feel DONE when the heat index rises above 90 degrees every day for months on end. But it is important to understand that allowing the baby to grow as long as possible in the womb is the healthiest and smartest choice. Begging for an early induction or trying to start labor on your own will typically end in a birth you weren’t desiring. It is best for all members of your birth team to wait until the baby is ready to be born!
Ideas to Stay Happy at the End of a Hot Pregnancy
- Watch movies or binge watch a new show (while getting your daily walking in!)
- Jump in the pool
- Hide the calendar
- Shop for the baby
- Complete all nesting urges
- Sneak in a few great date activities
- Take a birthing class
- Plan a girls-night-in and have friends come over to hang out (If you feel comfortable doing so)
- Sleep and nap without guilt
Vintage Giraffe
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