How to Stay Cool When You're Pregnant in Summer

(Photo courtesy of @Hatchgirl)

Those last trimesters of pregnancy can be uncomfortable at best, but adding the summer heat into the mix can make things especially brutal. While coping with sticky humidity and hot weather can make it tougher, the bright side is that once you deliver, you'll still have several months of late summer and early fall to enjoy being outdoors with your new little bundle. Here are some of the best tips we found on how to beat the heat and stay cool during a summer pregnancy.

• Bring a portable spray bottle of water with you whenever you leave the house. Spritzing yourself with cool water on the back of the neck or on the wrists can go a long way to cool you down.
• Choose light colored and lightweight, summer-friendly fabrics for your wardrobe, such as linen, cotton and silk. 
• Avoid outdoor activities in the middle of the day, which is when the temperatures peak. Instead, head out earlier in the morning or late afternoon to hang at the park, run errands or take your toddler to play. 
• Don't be afraid to take more frequent naps during the day. Your body could use some downtime in the heat. 
• Elevate your feet when you're laying down or sitting to help combat swelling.
• Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water, but also choose fruits and vegetables that are composed of water. Cucumbers, watermelons and tomatoes are all extremely healthy and contribute water to your diet. 
• If it's too hot outside, don't push yourself to leave the air conditioning. Stay inside and binge on Netflix. 
• Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin. When you're pregnant, you're susceptible to melasma and other sun damage related skin issues. 
• Try to stay away from any foods that are in danger of spoiling in the sun, such as mayonnaise-based faves like potato salad, chicken salad and tuna salad. 
• Exercise is still important, but it's crucial to be smart about when and how you get your workout in during the summer. If it's too hot, opt for indoor exercise. If possible, swimming tops the list for summer workouts.
• Always ask your doctor any questions you have about how to safely deal with summer heat during pregnancy. Especially if you're thinking about a new workout routine.