Total Summer Pregnancy Guide Tips 1-9
1. Show Some Skin — and Your Shape
The days of wearing tops that make you look like you’re on an extended camping expedition — hello, tent city! — are, thankfully, over. These days, there’s nothing more chic than flaunting your gorgeous, round belly in slim-fitting tanks, body-skimming tees, or sundresses, which will also help you to feel cool and glowy, not sweaty and roasting.
2. Drink Up, Baby
For all of you pregnant gals, you need more fluids during the hot summer months, so be sure you’re sipping water, water, water (at least six to eight glasses a day). We know you’re already making a million trips to the loo these days as it is, but letting yourself get too parched can worsen pregnancy aches like swelling, and can even trigger contractions and up your risk for preterm labor. By the time you actually feel thirsty, you’re already well past the point of dehydration. “That’s why it’s important to drink water all day long.” Not a fan of plain old H2O? Flavor it up by adding a slice of orange or a sprig of mint. Caffeine-free, herbal iced tea is another good pick. Or you can add a splash of pomegranate juice or peach nectar to a glass of seltzer. Munching on water-rich fruits and veggies — like honeydew melon, cantaloupe, watermelon, and cucumber — can also help keep you well hydrated.
3. Invest in Fab Sunglasses
Even when you’re feeling not-so-hot (morning sickness in 90-degree heat will do the trick every time), nothing instantly pulls you together like some scene-stealing Jackie Os. And while your favorite pre-preg jeans can only contain your growing bump for so long, a great pair of shades will be your go-to accessory throughout all nine months and beyond.
4. Get Out of Town
Whether you want to jet off on a full-fledged tropical babymoon or just head out for a romantic long weekend away, go for it.Every couple could use one last uninterrupted, just-the-two-of-us fling. And when it’s getting sticky and unbearable in your neck of the woods, a vacay to a breezy beach can be just the thing to beat the heat, relax, and let the pros pamper your pregnant self. To escape without worrying about something crazy happening — what if my water breaks and we’re in the middle of nowhere? — follow this advice. “I always tell patients not to travel too far away,” says Danielle Goren
5. Choose Safer Sandals
Flip-flops seem like the ultimate, comfy knock-around pick for hot, achy feet, but in reality, they’re just about the worst kind of kicks you can wear these days. Many flip-flops don’t offer any arch support, which you really need now. Pregnancy hormones cause your ligaments and tendons to stretch in preparation for childbirth — including the ones in your feet — and you’re also carrying a lot more weight than usual. This adds extra pressure on the bottoms of your feet and can cause pain, swelling, flat feet, tendinitis, and even more serious, permanent damage if you don’t wear the right shoes.” This doesn’t mean going a whole summer donning orthopedic footwear. Just look for sandals with some arch support (they’ll be slightly raised and thicker in the middle). We love the comfy-stylish combo of brands like Rainbow (rainbowsandals.net) and Reefs (reef.com).
6. Slather on the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is always a must now that you’re likely to be outside more — but it’s especially crucial when you’re expecting. “The higher levels of estrogen in your body make you more susceptible to melasma, dark patches of skin that can appear on your face.
7. Plan Out Your Stroller Route
Now that the weather’s warm, take a peek at the parks and kids’ stuff nearby. Map out a few different options for taking scenic strolls after baby arrives. Getting out of the house is a lifesaver for most new moms in those early newborn days — and the rhythmic walking motion is often just the thing to lull even the fussiest babies to a soothing sleep.
8. Get a Haircut
Some new moms find it’s hard to manage a high-maintenance hairstyle after the baby arrives. Consider this steamy weather an opportunity to try out a cool summer ‘do that you can maintain with minimal effort post-baby. Visit your stylist with photos, of course — and don’t always assume that super-short is easier.
9. Dunk the Bump
Swimming is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day — and my patients find that the buoyancy of the water really helps relieve pregnancy-related back strain. It’s also a perfect activity for moms-to-be who want to get a little exercise, and not just float around in the water. There’s less risk of overheating and it’s gentler on your already-overloaded joints than, say, jogging. Some OB’s recommend keeping your heart rate below 140 beats per minute when you work out. Every woman is different in terms of how much exercise she can handle, so as long as you have a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, don’t worry too much about monitoring your heart rate. Always listen to your body. If you start to feel at all uncomfortable or out of breath, that’s your sign to take things down a notch or stop.
