How to survive a summer pregnancy

It may be obvious but keeping cool in the warmer months is even more important when you’re pregnant.

“Pregnant women may find staying comfortable during summer particularly challenging,” says obstetrician Dr Gino Pecoraro. “A pregnant woman generally feels hotter than someone who is not pregnant because she needs to dissipate heat created from the growing baby and this is added to the discomfort that can arise with being bigger generally than what you’re used to.”

Air-conditioning is a great way to keep cool because it makes the body’s normal evaporation of sweat mechanism work more efficiently, says Dr Pecoraro. But if you’re sitting in an air-conditioned office or house all day you’ll lose more water that will need to be replaced.

Because the baby transfers its heat to the mother who then has to get rid of that heat through the normal mechanisms of sweating and radiation, it’s especially important that pregnant women have adequate water intake.

“It is generally recommended that a pregnant woman drink around three litres of water per day,” says Dr Pecoraro. “But, if she is out in the open or it’s a particularly hot and humid day where sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily then she’ll need to drink even more,” he says.

A summer pregnancy is no time for tight fashion. If you can even be bothered to squeeze yourself into a pair of skinny pants, don’t. Not only will you be feel uncomfortable but your body — and your baby — just doesn’t need the extra heat.

“Wear loose fitting light-coloured clothing that will help radiate the sun’s rays away,” suggests Dr Pecoraro. “Make use of things like fans and hats and keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day,” he says.

Keeping your weight gain in check will also help reduce the effects of a hot summer. While you are going to feel the heat more due to being larger than you generally are, if you keep your weight gain within the recommended range you’ll probably feel a bit more comfortable than if you totally let loose.

“Swimming pools and baths are an excellent way to lose heat and have fun as well,” suggests Dr Pecoraro. Not only will you cool down in the pool, but you’ll get some relief from the weight of the baby as well.

But summer isn’t a time to overdo it. Try to exercise in the early hours of the day, always make sure you have a bottle of water with you and the minute you start to feel any strain it’s time to cool down.