Pregnancy and Heat: Top Tips to Keep cool

If you’re pregnant and struggling with the heat, particularly if you’re in the later weeks of pregnancy, read on 👀

Will being too hot harm my baby?

Although you may be feeling NEXT LEVEL hot, I want to reassure you that it is unlikely to be harmful to baby. Dangerously high body temperatures for pregnancy would be caused by extreme fevers or over-exertion (such as extreme exercise in a heat wave).

However, it is still important for you to look after yourself in the heat.

Top Tips for keeping cool in pregnancy in the heat

Wear loose clothing

Say goodbye to hold in pants, skinny jeans and anything else that clings to your skin and body. Light coloured linen is best, but anything floaty and light will do the trick.

Drink more water than you think you need

Let water be your BFF over the summer months. The NHS recommends drinking 6 to 8 cups of water a day in pregnancy so make sure you are hitting this target particularly on hot days. If you do physical activity like going for a walk, an extra glass of water per hour of activity is recommended.

Keep a damp flannel in the fridge

This can be really refreshing to then place on your forehead or shoulders. You could also put your moisteriser in the fridge for an extra chill when using.

Raise your feet

Your ankles (along with finers and feet) can swell in pregnancy. Keeping your feet raised and avoiding standing for too long can help.

Avoid extreme exercise

If you need to get moving, opt for a walk early in the morning or in the evening when the weather has cooled. Or head to your local pool and exercise gently in water. This will be great for keeping cool too!

Eat cold refreshing food

Say goodbye to that cheese toastie or roast dinner and opt for a more summer-based diet. This tends to be fruit and veggie heavy. Think salads, smoothies, and fruit snacks like watermelon. Ice lollies are obviously a must too 😉

Protect your skin from the sun

Your skin can be more sensitive to pigmentation such as chloasma (also known as the “pregnancy mask”) in pregnancy so be extra cautious. Wearing a high SPF, keeping your skin covered where you can, and avoiding being exposed to the sun for too long can protect your skin and also reduce these skin pigmentations.

Use a spray bottle

This can be really refreshing, and is also a top tip to keep cool in labour too.

Peppermint Spray

If you are in labour or full-term then you could try peppermint* oil. Peppermint can be really cooling. You can apply it with a carrier oil to your wrists or mix a few drops with milk and then add to water in a spray bottle for a refreshing spritz.
*Little is known about the safety of peppermint oil in pregnancy so it is advisable to not use it before you are full term. 

What are your top tips for keeping cool in these hot months? Come and join in the conversation on Instagram and let us know ☀️

Photo Creds: @mamastillgotit_