Picture the scene if you will, it's attractive I promise! I'm sitting here on the evening of the hottest day of the year so far like a beached whale on the sofa/yoga ball in just my bikini top and the smallest shorts I could find, with my feet elevated & fan going full blast!
It reached 36 degrees down in Kent where we live and we actually spent the whole day outside having a BBQ with my nan & grandad which may not have been my wisest decision.
I honestly don't think I've ever felt so hot in all my life! Not in a 53 degree heatwave in Cyprus a few years ago, not in the tropical humidity in Thailand or Mexico, not on holiday one month ago - it's just crazy! We got in at 8pm and the temperature in the car - with the roof down - was still over 30. Just WOW!
So without further ado here are my top tips for surviving the heat whilst pregnant:
- Drink drink drink and drink some more
(Unfortunately not of the alcholic variety because a) that would be very bad for baby and b) probably wouldn't help with dehydration either)
I always try to drink a lot of fluids, especially water but in boiling weather like this it really is so important. It stops you from becoming dehydrated and helps keep your body temperature down.
- Wear loose, light, small clothing
Personally I've found wearing as little as possible (and appropriate!) is the most comfortable thing for me but lots of people swear by baggy, light fabrics rather than tight fitting clothes. Over the last week or so I've been living in maxi dresses but yesterday it just felt like too much material to be carrying around.
- Big hats & high SPF
Even if you're not cursed with ginger skin like me when pregnant your skin can react with more sensitivity to the sun than usual and you may find yourself sunburnt unexpectedly. The best thing to avoid this is wearing big floppy hats to protect your face and neck and ensuring you always wear a suncream with a high SPF - I'd recommend at least 30. Staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (12-3) is also an easy way to keep cooler.
- Use ice water to help you cool down
I always find running my wrists under the cold tap for 30seconds really helps to cool me down quickly.
Also if you're suffering with swollen feet & ankles it would be worth investing in a small paddling pool to paddle your feet in, or full on sit in if you're brave enough!
- Prepare for a hot restless nights sleep
As if sleeping when your heavily pregnant isn't hard enough? The last thing we need is added heat!
I was luckily sent a fan in one of my Which? Birthing Choice boxes last month which has been a LIFE SAVER! Not just for me but our poor hairy puppy as well who is really suffering in the heat (bless him!). We turn it on a few hours before we go to bed to cool the room down and leave it on throughout the night.
We keep all the windows wide open and try to keep curtains & blinds shut during the day to keep the sun out & stop the room heating up too much.
We also make sure to keep pint glasses of water by the bed, cool water facial spray and pretty much strip the bed of all bedding.
Are you pregnant & struggling in the heat? I'd love to hear if you have anymore tips for staying cool.
XOXO
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