Pregnancy and summer

When we talk about pregnancies in summer we always think about fatigue or sweating, and going through a complicated time when it comes to carrying your little one inside. Undoubtedly, we consider it as a handicap that can ruin the holiday period we are so looking forward to. We find ourselves with difficulty breathing sometimes, and with fatigue or dizziness that are a consequence of sudden changes in temperature. Don’t forget that we change quickly from a suffocating heat to another very different microclimate in which the air conditioning intervenes.

In addition, during pregnancy the body temperature can be one or two more than normal, and this coupled with the heat of the months of July and August, can cause a very suffocating sensation. Therefore, it is advisable to take certain precautions to alleviate these effects and not hesitate to place wet cloths with fresh water on the neck or forehead, as this will help to lower your body temperature.

Then we talk about a series of tricks that will be very useful to cross without a problem a pregnancy in summer.

1. Drink a lot of water

It is basic to hydrate enough to compensate for the fluid we lose through sweat and maintain vitality. This loss is very high in summer and must be restored drinking water constantly. In addition, we have other alternatives that are very appetizing, such as fruit juices and isotonic drinks that have a high rehydration capacity due to their high mineral content, and to which they favor the absorption of water.

2. Maintain adequate nutrition

It is likely that pregnant women face more nausea or dizziness in summer, all this contributing to a greater unwillingness to eat. Hormonal changes can greatly affect and you have to watch closely what you eat, avoiding especially heavy meals and consuming foods with a large amount of protein and absence of fat as much as possible. The explanation for this is given because the organism is forced to work longer and for longer, generating much more heat. Therefore, it is convenient to choose foods with a high content of liquids, as well as high in fiber. Your best allies will be fresh vegetables and fruits, or grilled fish and meat. Also, we must control the consumption of salt, but without eliminating it completely as it is beneficial for the fetus.

3. Clothing

The most important thing is to feel comfortable and cool, choosing natural fabrics such as linen or cotton through which your skin can breathe to avoid chafing or soothing so common during pregnancy.
Choose light and neutral colors that reflect the light and heat of the sun and do not absorb it as dark colors do. In addition, although it is very evident, we must remember that tight garments do not let the air run between your skin and the fabric, preventing a correct transpiration.

And if we talk about footwear, try to look for something comfortable made with natural materials. If possible, use one size more than yours, since at the end of the day you will appreciate it, when you find your feet a little more swollen than normal.

4. Ambient temperature

You should try to stay at home during the hottest hours to avoid direct sun. You can use fans or air conditioning, although at night it is convenient to sleep with the windows slightly open since during pregnancy your body will need more oxygen than usual and sometimes, in places where the air is saturated, it is more complicated to breathe well.

5. General recommendations

Try to make use of the pools that, in addition to being very refreshing, will serve you to perform beneficial exercises to reduce or reduce the compression of certain nerves during pregnancy.
Try to always carry a bottle or a small thermos with fresh water to drink or get wet a little in times of need.
Learn to breathe correctly, because with this we get a better cooling of the body.
Avoid the intense hours of sun and always use high factor protector, since pregnant women tend to burn and are prone to the appearance of unwanted spots. In addition, you should bear in mind that when you expose yourself to the sun, you should always have a shadow nearby to shelter you in case of warming.
Plan the schedules to go for a walk or do other activities in the coolest moments of the day such as morning or evening.