Summer Pregnancy Survival Guide: Top Tips to Beat the Heat

Let's face it ladies, pregnancy can sometimes make you feel awkward, overheated and uncomfortable, but a summer pregnancy can take these troubles to a whole different level. Although everyone can feel a little hot and sticky during those sweltering summer days, having a bun in the oven can really kick it up a notch. If you're preparing for a summer pregnancy, don't sweat it - just try these top tips to help you keep your cool.

Timing is Everything

Spending time outdoors helps your body produce vitamin D, improves your mood, and allows you to breath in fresh, clean air - all of which can benefit your pregnancy. However, timing is everything when carrying a baby in the summertime. To beat the heat, you'll want to avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day. Plan your outings, appointments, and shopping trips during the cooler morning and evening hours, instead of midday.

Keep Your Blender Handy

With a blender, you can stay cool all summer long while giving your body (and your baby) additional nourishment throughout the day. Make a batch of highly nutritious smoothies each day by blending together frozen fruit, bananas, milk, and spinach. This simple and delicious treat tastes like an indulgence and, when combined with a comfortable recliner, feels like a day at the spa.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Pregnancy causes the skin to stretch, expand, and dry out. Add the hot summer sun into the mix and you're left with skin that feels like an itchy, scratchy nightmare. Help yourself throughout the summer by moisturizing your skin as much as possible. Use a highly emollient moisturizer that contains natural ingredients, and if your running low, simply slather on a little coconut oil to keep your skin soft, smooth and itch-free.

Swear by the Squirt Bottle

Wherever you go this summer, whatever you do, always keep the sacred squirt bottle of water with you at all times. Spritzing your pregnant self with water not only feels heavenly when it's hot out, but it will also help keep your body temperature down. You can find empty squirt bottles at most grocery stores, which can easily fit inside your purse for those summertime heat emergencies.

Ditch the Shoes

Why wear stuffy socks and shoes when you can let your toes breathe in a pair of flip-flops. While these summertime staples won't really work for a fancy occasion, you can usually get by wearing flip-flops almost all season long. These breezy beauties are also easy to slip on when you can't see over your belly, and can help bring relieve to those swollen ankles and feet.

Choose your Clothing Wisely

To stay cool as a cucumber during your summer pregnancy, choose your outfits very carefully. You'll want to pick out clothing made from lightweight fabrics, like linen, cotton, and silk, and avoid heavy fabrics, such as wool or polyester, which can trap in heat. Light colors work best, especially white, which will reflect the sun's rays to help prevent you from overheating.

Utilize Your Local Pool

Last, but certainly not least, make sure to take advantage of your local pool throughout your pregnancy. Floating along and relaxing in cool, soothing water - nothing helps beat the summer heat quite like a dip in the pool. Just make sure to slather on the sunscreen!

Looking for more even ideas on dressing for pregnancy? Try these top 10 maternity clothes tips.