Surviving pregnancy during the heat of a Southwest Louisiana summer definitely makes any woman ready for motherhood. If you’re past the half-way point of your pregnancy and can make it through the steamy summer months, caring for a baby will be a breeze.
A pregnant woman acts as a radiator for her baby. As the baby grows, it generates heat. The only way to vent that excess energy is through your cardiovascular system. As a result, your blood volume and metabolic rate rise -- which can make you feel even warmer than usual. Add to that our high temperatures in the summer months, and it’s even more uncomfortable.
Also consider that you’re carrying 20 – 40 extra pounds. That’s even more of you to try to keep cool. At a time when you may not be feeling very delicate, being hot and sweaty can make you even more self-conscious.
The main thing to surviving a pregnant summer is to just take it easy. Use this as the all-time best excuse to pamper yourself. Some of the best activities of summer are doing nothing at all. Now is the time to read the books you’ve been putting off. Stay indoors and leisurely prepare for the baby, letting someone else do any heavy lifting. If you’ve got older children, spend time with them before the baby comes. Individual attention may be scarce during the first few weeks of the new baby’s homecoming.
Hormonal changes throughout pregnancy can intensify heat perception and cause hot flashes. Any symptoms of dizziness, extreme fatigue and light-headedness need to be taken seriously. They may indicate dehydration. An easy way to check your hydration is to notice your urine. If it’s dark, you’re probably low on liquids. If it’s almost clear, you’re doing fine.
Other ways to beat the heat include:
• Say “no” to polyester. Wear natural fibers, like cotton and linen. Man-made fabrics such as polyester tend to trap the heat. Make it light-weight and loose-fitting to add to the comfort factor. Dressing in layers is always smart. You can remove layers as you feel warm.
• Drink up. The normal six to eight glasses of water are the bare minimum. Drink more if you plan on being outside even for a little while. Drinking plenty of water also helps eliminate swelling that happens to most pregnant women. The extra fluid will help to flush out your body. Keep a glass of water by your nightstand. Every time you wake up, try to take a sip.
• Wear comfortable pajamas. A cotton nightgown will help keep you cool during the night. Keep an extra one near the bed. If you wake up sweaty, you can change without getting out of bed.
• Stay indoors. If the temperatures are soaring, don’t feel the need to be out, especially in the middle of the day. Find indoor activities, such as catching a movie, walking the mall, or visiting friends and family.
• Eat sensibly. Loading up on salty meats and heavy foods will only make you miserable. Instead, choose fruits and vegetables, which are naturally full of water to help hydrate you.
Pregnancy is stressful on your body. A summer pregnancy seems especially trying at times. Keeping tabs on your physical well-being is most important for you and your baby’s health. Anytime you feel tired, it’s okay to stop and rest. Listen to your body and check with your obstetrician anytime that you feel concerned. |
