The summer season is here, and with it comes sunny days, but especially hot weather. Being pregnant during the summer is a real challenge for your body, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your summer! In this little survival guide, we give you a few tips on how to enjoy your summer, despite the high temperatures.
Being pregnant in summer: a challenge for your body!
During pregnancy, your body works full-time! Your body will be carrying an extra 1.5 litres of blood, and your heart rate and metabolism are accelerating. And if that wasn’t enough, your body temperature can rise by an average of 1.5°C. In these conditions, you’re already hot before you’ve even set foot outside. You risk feeling tired and nauseous. That’s why we’ve come up with a few tips to help you have a good summer when you’re pregnant.
Pregnant in summer: our 5 tips for looking after yourself
1. Avoid high temperatures
As we’ve seen, your body is already hotter than normal when you’re pregnant. For your well-being and that of your baby, avoid going out in the sun when temperatures are high, especially between 11am and 4pm. If possible, stay indoors or in the shade, and if you have to go out, look for air-conditioned or shaded areas. You can put a damp cloth on the back of your neck or on your forehead to cool down. By the way, it’s also to avoid getting a heat stroke that pregnant women are advised not to take hot baths – and yes, it’s not just a popular misconception!
2. Protect yourself from the sun
Pregnant women’s skin is more sensitive to the sun’s rays. When you go out, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor to protect yourself from sunburn and prevent pigmentation spots.
3. Hydrate well
Remember to stay hydrated! When you’re pregnant, it’s essential to stay hydrated, especially in summer. In a heatwave, you can drink 3 to 4 litres! If you’ve had enough of water, you can also drink herbal teas and diluted fruit juices. But avoid sugar or ice cubes, which can, paradoxically, make you sweat even more! A word of advice: always take a bottle of water with you, whether you’re at home, at work or on the move.
4. Exercise… but not too much!
Even if it’s not easy, exercise during pregnancy is good for your health and that of your baby, as it helps circulation. Rest assured, we’re not talking about strenuous exercise, because we don’t want to call the midwife too early! Instead, opt for gentle activities such as swimming or walking, which will keep you active while avoiding excessive exertion. However, your state of health must allow for this. Don’t do anything that your doctor advises against, and if in doubt, don’t hesitate to have a pregnancy check-up.
Our advice here: if you’re pregnant and want to go walking in the summer, your feet may swell. Wear comfortable, open shoes to allow your feet to breathe. Avoid narrow shoes that could compress your swollen feet.
5. Take the time to rest
The key to summer is to rest and relax! Don’t forget to give yourself regular time to rest and relax, for example by discovering the many benefits of acupuncture! In any case, avoid exhausting activities and take the time to relax in the shade or in a cool room.
