“Misery loves company,” one pregnant woman says to the other.
The temperature outside climbs passed 100 degrees with humidity levels not far behind. It is illegal to be naked in public. What is a pregnant woman to do? You can’t possibly hibernate until the baby makes an appearance, can you? I take that back; I’m pretty sure everything you could ever need can be delivered directly to your doorstep, but what kind of life would that be!?
I’m pregnant with baby #5, and my third summer-due-date baby. I live where the temperatures regular reach 105 degrees outside; I feel your pain. I also do not have the option of hibernating, as there are four other tiny humans running around demanding that fun be had every day!
As the summer hits its peak and starts stretching on for an extra month, just as your pregnancy seems to do as well, it is easy to become cranky, fatigued, dehydrated, and unmotivated. Whether you have toddlers and older children to entertain, or you are awaiting baby #1, there are several ways to survive this season – even if you feel like a beached whale. You can do better than just survive, you can finish out the season happy!
Tips for Staying Happy and Healthy
Take your Vitamins: Making sure you get the proper balance of vitamins and minerals is imperative to keeping healthy throughout pregnancy. Choosing a high-quality vitamin containing folate over chemicals and fillers will help your energy and health stay on point.
Add in Electrolytes: Skip the sports drinks and add a natural electrolyte supplement into your day if you are feeling dehydrated and tired. The body is losing water at a rapid rate in the heat, make sure you do everything possible to keep your levels balanced.
Drink Plenty of Water: Again, it is easy for the body to cross the line into dehydration, and you do not want a hospital visit this summer due to lack of fluids!
Make Smoothies: There are hundreds of smoothie recipes to try, and you can turn them into popsicles! Smoothies are a great way to get all of your daily fruits and veggies in while also enjoying a cold, slushy drink.
Invest in a Fan: Napping and sleeping at night with cool air blowing directly on you will help you stay comfortable and enjoy those crazy pregnancy dreams even more.
Nest: Depending on your level of motivation and time until due date, you may be feeling the urge to tidy things up and prepare the house for your little one. Try not to do too much, but nesting is a great excuse to skip the outdoors and remain in the air conditioning all day!
Plan a Babymoon: ESCAPE! Pack your bags for a long weekend and retreat to an oasis spa/hotel where room service is delivered, the pool is spectacular, and there is nothing on your to-do list other than ‘happiness.’
Find Water: A pool, river, lake, ocean, or even bath tub will due in a pinch! I highly recommend seeking out your nearest cold spring or river/creek to tub down. Sticking your belly inside an innertube while floating down river is just the ticket for a happy, relaxed day.
Plan Minimal Activities: Running several errands and scheduling many activities throughout the day can cause fatigue, swelling, and unhappiness. Stick with simple excursions.
Take Prenatal Yoga: Exercise may increase body temperature, but it encourages healthy blood flow. Stay away from hot yoga classes, though. Drink plenty of water, meditate, and work on being present.
Splurge on a Float Spa: Yes, there are spas that offer float chambers in which your sole purpose is to be weightless inside. It may seem like an un-lasting trend, but I promise you that you will beg to make your visits regular. Floating allows the body to completely relax and removes all pressure and pain. The baby tends to not be active during the floating sessions because it feels no outside pressures. You will walk out feeling calm, relaxed, cool, and ready to take on the day.
Always remember that light-weight, light colored clothing is your best option in the heat, and no that you are not obligated to be outside in the heat if you do not want to be. Pay attention to heat advisories, always find shade, and keep water with you at all times. It’s also smart to not be outdoors alone. Staying near others ensures that you will have help if you need to sit down and rehydrate.
It’s also a great idea to keep in mind that you are not the only beached whale this summer! There are thousands of us awaiting our due dates while surviving this intense summer, and while misery loves company, friendship is even better! Pass the time with friends or family who help you stay happy and sane.
No matter what, understand that it is just a season, and whether the fall comes first, or your baby does, there is so much joy to look forward to!
Author Bio:
Elizabeth is a researcher, author, and content writer for My Baby’s Heartbeat Bear – a leading online store for unique pregnancy gifts and manufacturer of plush toys; sloth stuffed animal, sloth stuffed animal and much more. She spends her days as the ringleader of a never-tiring circus; one full of tightrope walkers, nerf-gun shooters, mess makers, and danger-seekers. Read Elizabeth’s blog about pregnancy tips to find out the do’s and don’ts and other important things about pregnancy.