A Pregnancy Summertime Survival Guide

by Alicia Bodine, Contributing Writer

Image © louda2455; Public Domain, Pixabay.com 

Being pregnant during the summer months is not easy. You get hotter than usual and sometimes can't get comfortable. You don't have to suffer unnecessarily. There are a few things you can do to survive those hot summer months. Here are a few of them:

1. Don't argue with Mother Nature. In other words, when the weatherman says it is going to be hot AND humid you need to stay in doors. Make sure you have an adequate fan or air conditioner available. If you absolutely have to travel make sure you car has air conditioning as well as the destination. I highly recommend you avoid outdoor activities on these days.

2. Use wet wash cloths. I loved using wet wash cloth's in the summer. The trick is placing them around the back of your neck. It tends to cool off the whole body just from that one spot. I am not a scientist, I am just commenting on my own experiences. Some folk suggest you use a water bottle and spray yourself through out the day. Whatever you prefer, it helps you use cold water on and off during those hot days.
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3. Plan to run your errands either early or late. The hottest hours of the day are reportedly between the hours of 10am and 2pm. Get your shopping, banking, etc done early if you are a morning person or after dinner if you are a night owl. I personally liked getting up early and not having to go anywhere the rest of the day. Either way, avoid the sun in the afternoon.

4. Drink plenty of water. I think this has to be one of the most important things on the survival list. Water will keep your body hydrated. I personally can't quench my thirst with anything else. I recommend always having a nice cold glass of ice water handy wherever you go. If you have to be out and about, pack a little cooler that holds at least 3 drinks. Then you will be sure not to run out.

5. Don't be shy. Ask for help with daily activities if you need it. Over exerting yourself during those summer months can result in exhaustion, burn out, or worse. And if you are outdoors you increase your chances for suffering from heat stroke. The important thing is keeping you and your unborn baby as safe, healthy, and comfortable as possible.

6. Get plenty of rest. Let's face it, you won't have time for rest when the baby is born so you mine as well get it while you can. You also have to remember you are carrying around a lot of extra weight making it more strenuous and tiresome to keep up with your normal daily activities. Taking some naps and getting plenty of rest at night will help keep you at your best.
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7. Always wear sunscreen. I remember getting several lectures from my nurses when I showed up for a check up with a tan. According to them I should have been wearing sun block with a SPF of 100. Seriously though, it is recommended that you wear at least a sun block with a SPF of 15 every time you venture outdoors.

This article was previously published on the Yahoo Contributor Network.