Summer as a Pregnant Woman
Posted by Michelle Kersey on Fri, Jun 04, 2010
This will be my second time being pregnant during the summer. The only major difference is where I live. With my son I lived in Maine and then Connecticut (Yep, moved while 6 months pregnant). The summer in Maine was wonderful for a pregnant lady... not to mention we lived on the water so there was always a cool breeze coming my way. Connecticut was a bit warmer and we didn't have air conditioning; so I had to figure out ways to stay comfy while growing a human. Now I am in Kentucky, where it is warm and humid and I have a toddler that just wants to be outside playing. So, how have I learned to beat the heat?
Location, location, location
If you live in a cooler climate, consider yourself lucky. Pregnant and hot is not a fun combo. For everyone else, stay in the shade. While the actual air temperature may not differ, staying out of the sun will keep a lot of heat off your body. Even if you love being active and outside, remember to take breaks and sit down to rest for a bit. If you don't have air conditioning, you can always go for a trip to the mall on an especially hot day and "people watch" so you don't spend any money. I have a membership to a local science museum that has a water play area and is air conditioned. So, on the crazy hot and humid days, we will probably make a trip there to stay out of the heat and keep my son entertained! 
If you have a little space, also consider a baby pool. I have one for my son and I'll sit under the umbrella with my feet in the water and feel so much cooler without getting all in. I also will be making a few trips to my dad's pool this summer for some cooling off time. There is no doubt that there are also some water-gun fights in my future! Just remember, if you're outside... slather on the sunscreen! I will also try to go to the splash park at my local Zoo with my husband and son to cool off.
Clothing
Since I just mentioned the great outdoors, let's talk about what to wear. (#1 Sunscreen, I can't say that enough... maybe one day my mom and sister will listen to me.) Shopping for swimsuits is not normally a fun experience for most women. At least, it has never been for me. However, when shopping for a maternity swimsuit, I felt a lot more confident because I knew the reason for my shape was a baby on the way. A few summers ago, I bought two swimsuits that were in the Juniors Dept and I felt great in them. Yes, they were bikinis so I was showing off my big pregnant belly, but I loved it. I was, and still am, very proud of my baby belly and was not afraid to show it off. I did buy a maternity swimsuit too (it was on clearance due to buying late in the season). This one covered my baby belly, but I didn't feel like I was hiding it due to the cut and cling factor. The key to finding a swimsuit is a mindset change. No matter what, your body is beautiful because you are carrying a life inside! You still need to find one you are comfortable in, but don't be afraid to show off that baby belly. Other than swimsuits, find what you're comfortable in during the summer. For me, it's tank tops and Soffe shorts. If you haven't ever worn a pair, they're just cotton shorts (meant for athletes or exercising) and are oh so comfy. Now, before I end up on an episode of What Not To Wear I must add, the Soffes don't leave my tiny, country subdivision. When it's time to venture into the real world, I'll slip on a light summer dress. It's lightweight and will help keep me cool while running around.
Treats
There are a few frozen treats that will help you feel cool without the guilt of eating a bowl of ice cream. For the right portion size (and portability) try frozen Go-Gurt (or other brand of yogurt in a tube). Just pop the yogurt out of the freezer and enjoy! My son is also a huge fan of this treat. You can also just freeze juice into molds for a healthy treat. Then, you have wonderful Fla-Vor-Ice popsicles. They come in a few flavors (and there are other brands you can try as well, but I love Fla-Vor-Ice specifically) and are 25 calories or less. The light variety is only 5 calories per pop. They're a yummy, very cooling treat. Since it is summer, there are also lots of fresh and juicy watermelons. There's nothing like sinking into a slice of watermelon to cool you off and keep you hydrated!
Drinks
I remember lying on a hammock while pregnant with my son drinking a smoothie. It's been a few years, so I have perfected my hammock lounging/smoothie drinking capabilities. (The hammock is optional, but I highly recommend it.) The smoothie concoction I've come up with over the years only uses a few ingredients. A few scoops of sherbet, a cup of frozen fruit, and juice. I vary the flavors of everything depending on what I am in the mood for. My favorite is a Raspberry Limeade smoothie. I use raspberry (or lime if you can't find raspberry) sherbet, frozen raspberries, and Simply Limeade juice. The result is a sweet and tangy smoothie that is oh-so-refreshing! You can also blend a lot of juices with ice for a quick frozen drink (Try V-8 V-Fusion, nutritious and yummy). The most important part of being pregnant during the summer is staying hydrated! Always have a glass full of ice-water nearby and you will feel a million times cooler with every sip. Don't forget the straws! I drink so much more water by using a straw.
The best part about the summer is the Fresh air, so go out and enjoy it! But, remember to relax, drink fluids, and stay cool!!