During pregnancy, your core body temperature tends to be higher than normal, due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. Add in the summer heat and your extra baby weight, and you’ve got yourself one uncomfortable situation! Here are our Top 10 tips on how to keep your cool, when the temperature continues to rise.
Increase Your Liquids
Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water and always carry a water bottle with you. Why not try infusing your water with berries, citrus fruits or cucumber slices? Try our Sistema Tritan Infuser Bottle.
Never wait until you feel thirsty, as the sign of thirst can generally mean you are already starting to suffer from dehydration.
Wear Natural Fabrics
Wear loose, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen; particularly at night time, when pregnant women can experience night sweats.
Put Your Feet Up
Nothing screams “pregnancy” louder than a pair of swollen feet and ankles. Elevate your feet as often as possible to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Wear comfortable, breathable footwear, possibly in a size larger than normal. You should not eliminate salt completely from your diet, but minimising your salt intake will help discourage water retention.
Eat “Cool” Foods
Summer is the perfect time to eat the healthy foods that can help cool you down, like salads and soft fruits. A lot of these, such as cucumber, celery and watermelon, have a higher water content as well.
Bathe Safely
Soaking in a bathtub is a great way to unwind when you are pregnant. However, it’s best to stick to warm or tepid water. Avoid extremely hot baths, saunas and spa baths, as a woman’s core body temperature should not rise too high. Frequent cool showers are a great way to cool down.
Exercise Safely
Avoid strenuous exercise in the sun. Exercise in air-conditioned comfort, or in the pool! Swimming is a great way to keep fit and cool at the same time. Check out our wide range of swimwear, to suit all shapes and sizes!
Keep in the Shade
If you do venture to the pool or beach, avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10am-3pm. Some women find their skin is much more sensitive, and prone to developing brown patches (called chloasma), which can darken further after sun exposure. Keep in the shade, wear a hat, appropriate clothing and a heavy duty sunscreen.
Take a Nap
Who doesn’t love a good, rejuvenating nap during the day?
Apply Cooling Products
Placing a cool damp wrap around your neck or forehead can instantly bring your body temperature down. And keep a misting bottle in the fridge, for a quick spritz when you need it! Check out our Eau Thermale Jonzac thermal spring water
Take It Easy
If you do need to run errands outside the house, try to do so during the cooler parts of the day. Stay in the air-conditioning as much as possible. Be kind to yourself, rest up, and ask for help!
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