Pregnancy tips to beat the heat summer

Nothing beats a Kiwi summer season, but hot weather can be tough in pregnancy. Here are our tips to beat the heat.

Did you know your body temperature rises in pregnancy? Couple that with a scorching New Zealand summer, and you’ve got yourself one very hot and sweaty season ahead.

KEEP COOL

+  Be mindful about where you’ll be over the hottest part of the day. Try and plan trips or outings in the morning or evening, or you could even plan to be somewhere indoors with air conditioning like supermarkets, shopping malls or restaurants on really hot days.

+  Natural, breathable fibers like linen or cotton will be your best friend for day and night. Loose fitting, flowy styles and open, comfortable footwear are great for airflow.

+  Cool showers, ocean or pool dips, or a cold drink or ice block, are all great ways to bring your body temperature down if you need to cool down quickly.

+  A cooling fan will be your best friend, especially on those hot nights when you can’t get to sleep!

HYDRATE

+  Hydration is so important in pregnancy, especially in hot weather. Now would be a great time to invest in that ginormous stainless steel, flask-style drink bottle you’ve had your eye on (it will also serve you well post-partum while breastfeeding!). These bottles are insulated, so if you add ice the water will stay cold for hours.

+  If you’re finding plain water tricky due to morning sickness or Hyperemesis Gravidarum, there are plenty of electrolyte or vitamin water additives available, which will help give you a boost of essential vitamins and minerals as well as hydration.

+  Summer fruits and vegetables are high in hydration also, so upping these in your diet is a great idea! Watermelon, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, celery, capsicum and cucumber all are amazing options.

TAKE IT EASY

We know it’s tempting to do all the things over the holiday season, especially if you have older kids or nieces and nephews. But please, we beg you, take it easy mama! This is one summer out of your whole life, you are growing a human, if there’s ever a time to lay low and put your feet up, it’s now. Next summer you will have a new family member keeping you very busy! Rest, rest, rest.

SILLY SEASON SWAPS

+  Make sure you’re consuming pregnancy-safe foods over the festive season. There are plenty of non-alcoholic drink options that still feel special for celebrations. Avoid the soft cheeses and processed meats on platters and instead go for hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan. Make sure any salmon, chicken or ham are served piping hot to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria.