How To Stay Cool In Summer While Pregnant

Since the due date for my first two babes has been labor day weekend (how does that even happen?), I've had the luxury of being uber-pregnant literally all summer for two pregnancies.

It's not easy. Being pregnant in the summer comes with the perk of not having to tie up winter boots and easier clothes, but it also means you overheat easily (check out how pregnant women become heat-intolerant), you're sweaty in places you didn't know you had and you're frustrated.

Thus, use these coping strategies and learn to embrace and even love a summer pregnancy.

Tip 1: Drink Cool, Refreshing Drinks

Pun intended here.

If you're pregnant in the summer, sip on drinks that are chilled and icy but give you a boost of hydration. Opt-out of sugar-loaded drinks in the midday heat because they won't actually keep you cool. Moreover, they'll give you a headache and a sugar crash.

Instead, go for infused water, cool healthy smoothies, and delicious summertime mocktails. Learning how to naturally flavor water is a game-changer also.

The coolness of the drink will keep your internal temperature down a bit and the water in the drinks will keep you hydrated. Something like a chocolate pregnancy smoothie is great also as you get a ton of nutrients while staying cool.

Healthy mocktails also have the added benefit of making you feel included at parties when everyone else is drinking.

Tip 2: Swim As Much As Possible

Be honest, by the third trimester you're feeling large and super heavy. In fact, you're just bloody uncomfortable.

If you know someone with a pool, become their best friend. Hanging out in the cool water feels amazing when you're pregnant (and is a great way to exercise while pregnant).

Not only does that belly float but the water feels unbelievably refreshing when your skin feels uber hot!

Likewise, taking walks in cool places overshadowed by forests is another way to practice some summer self care.

Tip 3: Wear A Hat

If you were "too cool for hats" when you were younger, you're not now! Wearing a hat, especially a sun hat, and keeping the sun from beating on your face helps from overheating.

Tip 4: Snack On Cool Treats

Not only are you ravenous while pregnant (here are the best, healthiest pregnancy snacks and pregnancy smoothies) but you're super hot too.

The following snacks are chilled, refreshing, and insanely easy. They're perfect for staying cool in the summer while pregnant!

•  chunky monkey smoothie
• strawberry protein yogurt
• homemade ice cream
• fizzy watermelon slushy
• frozen yogurt bananas
• chocolate dipped frozen bananas

Snacking on fresh fruit is great too and things like strawberry during pregnancy actually have some wicked perks!

Tip 5: Find Some Shade & A Breeze

Long gone are the days when you could lay in the middle of the beach, with no umbrella or coverage for hours on end.

If you're pregnant, stay cool by stepping out of the direct sunlight and under an umbrella. You'll still be warm but not unbearably so.

Same goes with a breeze.

Find somewhere to relax where you can feel the wind and thus cool off when you have the chance.

Tip 6: Plan Your Day Accordingly

Early afternoon is the hottest time of day.

Thus, avoid long walks, no shade, and too much exposure during that time. Instead, plan to get big activities done in the morning and stay just a bit cooler in the afternoon.

While you're planning, check out this super fun summer bucket list for couples and see if you can knock off a few before baby comes!

Tip 8: Ice Packs

This one is great especially if you have other kids and will be outside more frequently. Keep a cool or frozen washcloth or freeze some rice in a bag or sock and use it on the back of your neck.