Tips for keeping cool while pregnant

Being pregnant in hot weather can be uncomfortable. Heatwaves and extreme temperatures can put you at risk of dehydration and sunstroke. Here are some suggestions for staying cool while pregnant.

It is common for pregnant women to feel hotter. Although there is little evidence that core body temperature rises during pregnancy, skin temperature appears to rise.

Being pregnant during the summer can be difficult for some women. Dehydration, fatigue, and even heat stroke can occur as a result of hot weather or a heatwave. As a result, it’s critical to find ways to stay cool while pregnant.

Keep Hydrated

During the summer, water should be your best friend because it helps to regulate your body temperature. When you’re well-hydrated, your body is better able to expel heat, primarily through sweat, which cools the skin as it evaporates. The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women drink 8-12 glasses of water per day, and more if they will be engaging in strenuous activities – specifically, an additional 8-ounce glass for every hour of activity. Because electrolytes are lost through sweat and are an important component of hydration, make sure you’re replacing them with foods like olives, bananas, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Find a nearby pool or body of water to exercise in

While exercise is important for maintaining your health during pregnancy, working out in hot weather may put you at risk of overheating. To avoid this risk, swim in a safe body of water or a nearby pool. Swimming not only keeps you cool, but also provides a gentle whole-body workout while increasing circulation, relieving swelling, and reducing stress.

Avoid eating or drinking anything that is warm

Due to the body producing more heat when it consumes warm food or drink, such as hot soup or tea, it is best to choose cooler alternatives, such as cold soups or iced decaffeinated tea. Make use of your imagination when it comes to food and choose cool alternatives to your favourite warming treats.

Make Frozen Fruit Snacks or Popsicles at Home

Make your own popsicles to relax, enjoy a sweet treat, and get calcium, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fill your popsicle moulds with unsweetened yoghurt and your favourite fruits, then place them in the freezer for about 5 hours. Yoghurt and blueberries are two popular combinations, as is yogurt with strawberries and pineapple.

If you don’t eat dairy, leave out the yoghurt and replace it with frozen grapes or watermelon slices for a tasty, healthy, and refreshing treat. Choosing watermelon? Skip the hassle of removing the seeds because they are high in protein and help to regulate blood pressure and carbohydrate metabolism. Furthermore, these delectable seeds contain monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-6 fatty acids.

Make Use of Peppermint Essential Oil

By putting 3-5 drops of peppermint essential oil is an essential oil diffuser or mixing one drop of the essential oil with one drop of carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and rubbing it on your chest and shoulders, you can enjoy the cooling, invigorating, and nausea-relieving effects. Another option is to soak your feet in a tub of cool water with two drops of peppermint essential oil and ½ cup of Epsom salt. You can also apply 1-2 drops of the oil to a washcloth, soak it in cold water, wring it out, and place it across your forehead.

Hibernate

When the weather is extremely hot, don’t overexert yourself by participating in too many outdoor activities. Allow yourself to unwind in a cool room with the shades drawn, perhaps even snoozing for a while. Speaking of snoozing, a nap is another great way to cool down because your body temperature drops during sleep because you use less energy than when you’re awake.

If the heat is really getting to you, take a cool bath, light a candle, put on your favourite relaxing music or meditation recording, and enjoy a sweet respite from the summer heat.

Cooling and Purifying Houseplants can be Used

Certain plants excel at both cooling and purifying the air in a room. The aloe Vera plant, Areca palm tree, Ficus tree, fern, and snake plant are a few favourites. Purchase a few of your favourites from your local nursery and place them in the rooms where you spend the most time.

Wear Clothing That Is Loose, Light, And Breathable

Not only does loose clothing keep tight material from digging into your skin (which may or may not be swollen), but it also speeds up sweat evaporation, allowing your skin to cool faster. Lighter colours absorb less heat, and linen is one of the most breathable fabrics, so light-coloured linen clothing is especially cooling.

Close the shades at night and open the windows at night.

If you don’t have air conditioning, one of the best ways to keep your home cool is to open the windows in the evening after the heat has subsided. Fans can even be placed in or near windows to draw cool air in. Then, in the morning, close the windows and blinds to keep the cool air in and the sun out.

Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment

Sleep is one of the most important activities a pregnant woman can do, it’s critical to create a sleeping environment that keeps you at a comfortable temperature. What you sleep in and on matters, so choose loose pyjamas made of cotton, silk, or linen, and dress your bed in bamboo or moisture-wicking sheets. From there, make sure you have moving air from a ceiling or floor fan and think about blackout curtains so you don’t wake up to the sun’s glare first thing in the morning. Wrap a freezer pack in a pillowcase and place it under your feet if you want to feel really cool.

FAQ’s

1)      Can summer heat affect pregnancy?

Ans: Yes, the summer heat can have an effect on pregnancy. A body temperature of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or dehydration. Premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and congenital disabilities can all be caused by overheating during pregnancy.

2)      Which fruit is good for pregnancy in summer?

Ans:  Melons and watermelons are water-rich fruits that help you stay hydrated. Apples have a high iron and fiber content. Peaches, plums, kiwi, and lemons are high in vitamin C, which aids in immunity and iron absorption. Guavas are also high in vitamin C.

3)      What is too hot for pregnancy?

Ans: According to medical research, overheating during pregnancy can endanger your baby. According to health guidelines, a core body temperature of 102°F (39°C) or higher can be too hot for your child and you.

4)      What can you do on a day when pregnant?

Ans: Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking are also excellent activities for most pregnant women, but consult your doctor first before beginning any exercise program. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise in on most days of the week but pay attention to your body and don’t overdo it.

5)      Does heat affect a baby in the womb?

Ans: If the mother’s temperature rises above 102 degrees, it can have an impact on fetal growth and, in some cases, result in cleft palate. Dehydration and high body temperature can both reduce the amount of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. The fluid allows the baby to move around freely within the womb.

Once Prega News delivers the good news to you, it is a long journey to traverse before you can hold your angel in your arms. Make sure the journey is comfortable and the heat doesn’t get to you.