Memorial Day weekend is just a few days away, the kickoff to the summer season. And though Wyoming may not be as warm as other places right now, we all know that the hot weather will arrive. If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, the hot (and at times humid) months of summer can be rough, but with the following ten tips, a woman can enjoy both the season and her pregnancy:
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Apply sunscreen with a 15 or higher SPF (even up to 100 for those with fair skin) at least 20 minutes before going into sun and reapply throughout the day. With a summer pregnancy, women need to be vigilant about skincare as their delicate skin is more susceptible to sun damage.
- Do outdoor activities, including exercising and gardening, in the morning or evening when the sun is lower and temperature is cooler.
- Put your feet up to alleviate swelling.
- Take frequent naps. Tiredness is plentiful during pregnancy and rest is very important. Is there someone you could occasionally ask for help with cooking, cleaning, running errands and other chores in order to get the rest you and your unborn need? If not think about planning some easy dinners, using paper plates, etc. to have a lighter workload.
- Drink plenty of liquids to remain hydrated. Sports drinks with electrolytes can help replace lost salt and stay hydrated, however, in a woman’s third trimester, sports drinks should not be used often since swelling at this stage increases.
- Take quick showers frequently to keep cool.
- Barbecuing? Beware of typical barbecue-related foods, such as potato salad and coleslaw — when left out in the sun, these can sour and cause an upset stomach.
- According to WebMD, swimming is an excellent way to both exercise and keep cool. It also helps take some of the heaviness off your sciatic nerve.
- Carry a water-filled squirt bottle with you in order to mist yourself when feeling warm.